La Paz, Bolivia (HRNW): Human Rights Watch has warned that new Bolivian government measures regulating nongovernmental organizations could threaten freedom of association and the ability of human-rights defenders and civil-society groups to operate independently.
Human Rights Watch reported on 26 August 2026 that Bolivia’s government had issued two decrees earlier in August that create a new NGO registration framework and give authorities broad discretionary powers. The organization warned that the measures could be used to silence critics.
The organization said independent civil-society groups play an essential role in monitoring government actions, documenting abuses, supporting vulnerable communities and advocating for legal and institutional reforms.
Human Rights Watch has urged the Bolivian government to ensure that regulations affecting NGOs comply with international standards protecting freedom of association and peaceful civic participation.
The issue is particularly significant for organizations working on sensitive subjects such as corruption, environmental protection, Indigenous rights, gender equality and human-rights violations.
NGOs frequently depend on legal recognition, access to funding and the ability to communicate freely with communities and international partners. Excessively restrictive registration requirements can therefore affect both the organizations themselves and the people they serve.
The Bolivian development reflects a broader global trend in which human-rights organizations are increasingly warning about shrinking civic space and government restrictions on independent civil society.
Human Rights Watch’s latest intervention adds to international calls for governments to ensure that regulation of NGOs does not become a mechanism for suppressing legitimate criticism or human-rights advocacy.
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Disclaimer
This HRNW report is based on Human Rights Watch’s publicly stated concerns and recommendations regarding Bolivia’s NGO regulations. Descriptions of potential threats to civil society reflect the assessment of the cited organization and are not presented as final judicial findings by HRNW. The legal and political situation may develop further. HRNW maintains complete editorial independence.
