In Peru, the alarming issue of sexual abuse against minors in the indigenous Awajún communities has highlighted the severity of these crimes and the urgent need for action. In 2023 alone, 21,000 cases of sexual violence against minors were reported in the country. However, the situation gained worldwide attention in June 2024, when Rosemary Pioc, president of the Awajún and Wampis Women’s Council, accused 524 teachers of allegedly committing sexual abuse since 2010 in the province of Condorcanqui, in the Amazonas department.

Despite the seriousness of the allegations, only 111 teachers have been dismissed, while four cases have expired, and 72 have been acquitted, revealing a concerning lack of accountability. The situation worsened when Education Minister Morgan Quero and Women’s Minister Ángela Hernández described these crimes as “cultural practices,” comments widely criticized for downplaying the severity of the abuse.

Peru’s Constitution allows native communities to exercise jurisdictional functions within their territory, provided they do not violate fundamental rights. However, the ministers’ statements have sparked outrage, suggesting an attempt to justify inaction in the face of these crimes, thereby perpetuating corruption and impunity.

The Autonomous Awajún Territorial Government (GTAA), along with organizations like the Amazonian Center for Anthropology and Practical Application and the National Organization of Andean and Amazonian Indigenous Women of Peru, have strongly rejected the ministers’ statements, demanding a public apology and a retraction of their words.

Through awareness and prevention programs, efforts are being made to protect the children of indigenous communities, promote reporting, and combat the indifference of authorities. Initiatives like Radio Cutivalú’s project “Your Life Has No Price” focus on denouncing human trafficking in the Piura and Amazonas regions, integrating child protection into educational plans and citizen security committees.