LA PAZ, BOLIVIA (HRNW) — Amnesty International has raised concerns over Bolivia’s new Supreme Decree 5673, warning that it could further restrict civic space and affect the ability of civil-society organizations to operate freely.
In a statement published September 18, Amnesty International said the decree raises concerns about freedom of association and the potential use of state measures against civil-society organizations.
The organization said the measure comes amid what it describes as a broader closure of civic space in the country.
Freedom of association is a fundamental human right protected under international human-rights law and allows people to form and participate in organizations for legitimate social, political, cultural and humanitarian purposes.
Amnesty International warned that restrictions affecting civil-society organizations can have wider consequences for human-rights defenders, community groups and organizations providing public-interest services.
The organization is urging Bolivian authorities to ensure that any regulations governing civil society comply with international human-rights standards.
Amnesty’s statement specifically identifies freedom of association as a central concern surrounding Supreme Decree 5673.
Civil-society organizations frequently play a role in documenting abuses, supporting vulnerable communities, providing humanitarian assistance and participating in public policy discussions.
Restrictions on their activities can therefore affect broader civic participation and human-rights monitoring.
Amnesty International’s intervention adds to continuing international scrutiny of legal and administrative measures affecting civil society in Bolivia.
The organization has called for protection of civic space and for authorities to ensure that organizations can operate without unlawful interference or persecution.
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Disclaimer
This article is based on Amnesty International’s September 18, 2026 public statement concerning Bolivia’s Supreme Decree 5673. HRNW presents Amnesty’s concerns as an attributed assessment and does not independently determine the decree’s legal effects.
