Peru - Social development

A modern system of social security (referred to as SNP) has evolved from initial legislation provided in the 1933 constitution. Coverage and benefits were substantially broadened after the 1968 coup. Workers were entitled to receive benefits covering disability, medical attention, hospitalization, maternity, old age, retirement, and widows and orphans. In 1991, the government introduced a new system of individualized capitalization through private pensions (SPP), which exists along side the national social security system.

The original program is administered by the Ministry of Labor, while the private system is supervised by the Superintendency of Pension Fund Administrators. Social insurance is compulsory for all employees up to the age of 60. The national social security and pension funds (SNP) are endowed by 13% of employee earnings, with the balance of funds supplied by the government. The private system is funded entirely by contributions from employees amounting to 10% of earnings. Sickness and maternity benefits are funded by 9% of employer payroll, with a special credit for employers who use the newer private system. Workers are entitled to treatment from public hospitals or partial refund of expenses in private facilities. Working mothers are entitled to maternity leave of 90 days at 100% pay.

Women are often kept from leadership roles in the public and private sectors by the force of tradition, although they are equal under the constitution. A government-supported program to provide credit to female entrepreneurs encourages women to pursue ventures. Racial and sexual discrimination are specifically prohibited by law in hiring, but in practice it continues to occur. Domestic abuse and violence against women is a widespread problem which is exacerbated by insensitivity on the part of authorities, although there are some special police stations staffed by women to assist female victims of violence. There were also reports of children being drafted into the army.

Human rights violations have been committed by the government, Shining Path terrorists, and the Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement. There are restrictions on freedom of speech and of the press. Prison conditions are poor, and the physical abuse of prisoners is common. The native population of the Amazon region continues to suffer discrimination.