Congress files motion of censure against ministers after abuse scandal in Amazonas.

This Monday, the Congress of the Republic made a decision that has sparked intense debate in Peruvian society by shelving the motion of censure against the Ministers of Education and Women, Morgan Quero and Teresa Hernández, respectively. This motion had been presented in the context of a scandal involving Awajún schoolchildren who have been victims of sexual assaults in the community of Condorcanqui, located in the Amazonas region. The lack of sufficient support, with only 30 signatures instead of the required 33, led to the initiative's failure, provoking harsh criticism among some legislators and in public opinion. The President of Congress, Eduardo Salhuana, reported the withdrawal of signatures from three key parliamentarians, which was decisive for the final outcome of the motion. Jorge Coayla, Kira Alcarraz, and Milagros Jáuregui were the lawmakers who stepped back, leaving many questioning their commitment to the cause. This situation has generated a wave of reactions, especially from those who supported the motion and considered the ministers' conduct unacceptable. Susel Paredes of the Democratic People's Bloc did not hide her disappointment regarding this. In statements made outside Parliament, she expressed her dissatisfaction with her colleagues' decision to withdraw their signatures, emphasizing that the situation in the Cenepa region is "a disaster." Paredes argued that the lack of an adequate response from the ministers to the sexual abuse of minors is, in itself, sufficient reason for both to be summoned for questioning. For his part, Edwin Martínez of Acción Popular also spoke out against the decision to shelve the motion. He was critical of the ministers and accused the withdrawing parliamentarians of being "cowards." Martínez emphasized that the complicity that sometimes manifests in politics is regrettable and questioned the integrity and dignity of those who prefer not to confront what he considers "wrongdoings" within the system. From the Ministry of Education, Morgan Quero defended his management and that of his colleague from the Ministry of Women, stating that motions of censure are expressions of intolerance. According to him, in a democracy, everyone has the right to change their opinion, but he stressed that respect for freedoms is fundamental. Moreover, Quero argued that the focus should be on working together for the well-being of students, rather than on political confrontation. The motion of censure, driven by parliamentarian Ruth Luque, centered on accusations of discrimination and validating sexual abuses as "cultural practices." This generated strong rejection not only among the legislators who supported the motion but also in sectors of civil society that believe the state's response to these cases has been inadequate. Quero's comments on sexual abuses have been controversial, as several analysts and human rights defenders believe his stance minimizes the seriousness of the situation. The characterization of abuses as "cultural practices" has been interpreted as a lack of sensitivity to the suffering of the victims, and his detractors argue that the language used by the minister perpetuates harmful stigmas. On the other hand, Minister Teresa Hernández has also faced harsh criticism for her statements, which some interpret as exclusionary and derogatory towards indigenous communities. The need for inclusive and respectful language in the political sphere is increasingly demanded by the population, especially when it comes to sensitive issues such as gender violence and children's rights. The Congress's decision to shelve the motion has left a bitter taste in many sectors, which see this act as a lack of commitment to the protection of the most vulnerable. As the debate progresses, it is evident that the issue of the rights of indigenous communities and victims of sexual violence will remain a central matter on the political and social agenda of the country. Thus, the situation not only reveals the fracture within Congress but also the lack of a cohesive and effective approach to addressing gender violence and protecting the rights of children in Peru. Society expects these issues to be addressed with the seriousness and commitment they deserve, away from partisan politics and individual interests.