| ECUADOR Republic of Ecuador Republica del Ecuador Joined United Nations: 21 December 1945 Human Rights as assured by their constitution Click here Updated 04/13/10 |
| CAPITAL |
| POPULATION |
| CHIEF OF STATE |
| SELECTION PROCESS |
Quito
14,573,101 (July 2009 est.)
Rafael Correa Delgado
President since 15 January 2007
President since 15 January 2007
President and vice president are elected on the same ticket by
popular vote for a four-year term (may not serve consecutive
terms); election last held 15 October 2006 with a runoff election
on 26 November 2006
Next scheduled election: October 2010
popular vote for a four-year term (may not serve consecutive
terms); election last held 15 October 2006 with a runoff election
on 26 November 2006
Next scheduled election: October 2010
HEAD OF GOVERNMENT
SELECTION PROCESS
Lenin Moreno Garces
Vice President since 15 January 2007
Vice President since 15 January 2007
The president is both the chief of state and head of government
| DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS |
| ETHNIC GROUPS |
Mestizo (mixed Amerindian and white) 65%, Amerindian 25%, Spanish and others 7%, black 3%
| RELIGIONS |
Roman Catholic 95%, other 5%
| GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE |
Republic with 22 provinces. Legal system is based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Executive: President and Vice President are elected on the same ticket by popular vote for a four-year term (may not serve
consecutive terms);
Legislative: unicameral National Congress or Congreso Nacional (100 seats; members are popularly elected by
province to serve four-year terms)
elections: last held 20 October 2006 (next to be held October 2010)
Judicial: Supreme Court or Corte Suprema (according to the Constitution, new justices are elected by the full Supreme
Court; in December 2004, however, Congress successfully replaced the entire court via a simple-majority resolution)
Executive: President and Vice President are elected on the same ticket by popular vote for a four-year term (may not serve
consecutive terms);
Legislative: unicameral National Congress or Congreso Nacional (100 seats; members are popularly elected by
province to serve four-year terms)
elections: last held 20 October 2006 (next to be held October 2010)
Judicial: Supreme Court or Corte Suprema (according to the Constitution, new justices are elected by the full Supreme
Court; in December 2004, however, Congress successfully replaced the entire court via a simple-majority resolution)
| LANGUAGES |
Spanish (official), Amerindian languages (especially Quechua)
| BRIEF HISTORY |
| ECONOMIC OVERVIEW |
Ecuador is substantially dependent on its petroleum resources, which have accounted for more than half of the country's
export earnings and one-fourth of public sector revenues in recent years. In 1999/2000, Ecuador suffered a severe
economic crisis, with GDP contracting by more than 6%. Poverty increased significantly, the banking system collapsed,
and Ecuador defaulted on its external debt later that year. In March 2000, Congress approved a series of structural
reforms that also provided for the adoption of the US dollar as legal tender. Dollarization stabilized the economy, and
positive growth returned in the years that followed, helped by high oil prices, remittances, and increased non-traditional
exports. From 2002-06 the economy grew 5.5%, the highest five-year average in 25 years. The poverty rate declined
during this period but remained high at 38% in 2006. After moderate growth in 2007, the economy reached a growth rate
of 6.5% in 2008, in large part due to high global petroleum prices. Poverty levels declined to about 35% by the end of
2008. President Rafael CORREA, who took office in January 2007, raised the specter of a sovereign debt default and
followed through on those threats in December 2008, defaulting on $3.2 billion in international bonds, representing over
80% of Ecuador's private external debt. Economic policies under the CORREA administration - including an
announcement in late 2009 terminating 13 bilateral investment treaties, one with the US - have generated economic
uncertainty and discouraged both domestic and foreign private investment. The Ecuadorian economy contracted in 2009,
mainly due to the global financial crisis, and also the sharp decline in world oil prices and remittance flows.
export earnings and one-fourth of public sector revenues in recent years. In 1999/2000, Ecuador suffered a severe
economic crisis, with GDP contracting by more than 6%. Poverty increased significantly, the banking system collapsed,
and Ecuador defaulted on its external debt later that year. In March 2000, Congress approved a series of structural
reforms that also provided for the adoption of the US dollar as legal tender. Dollarization stabilized the economy, and
positive growth returned in the years that followed, helped by high oil prices, remittances, and increased non-traditional
exports. From 2002-06 the economy grew 5.5%, the highest five-year average in 25 years. The poverty rate declined
during this period but remained high at 38% in 2006. After moderate growth in 2007, the economy reached a growth rate
of 6.5% in 2008, in large part due to high global petroleum prices. Poverty levels declined to about 35% by the end of
2008. President Rafael CORREA, who took office in January 2007, raised the specter of a sovereign debt default and
followed through on those threats in December 2008, defaulting on $3.2 billion in international bonds, representing over
80% of Ecuador's private external debt. Economic policies under the CORREA administration - including an
announcement in late 2009 terminating 13 bilateral investment treaties, one with the US - have generated economic
uncertainty and discouraged both domestic and foreign private investment. The Ecuadorian economy contracted in 2009,
mainly due to the global financial crisis, and also the sharp decline in world oil prices and remittance flows.
| POLITICAL CLIMATE |
Ecuador's political parties have historically been small, loose organizations that depended more on populist, often
charismatic, leaders to retain support than on programs or ideology. Frequent internal splits have produced extreme
factionalism. However, a pattern has emerged in which administrations from the center-left alternate with those from the
center-right. Although Ecuador's political elite is highly factionalized along regional, ideological, and personal lines, a
strong desire for consensus on major issues often leads to compromise. Opposition forces in Congress are loosely
organized, but historically they often unite to block the administration's initiatives and to remove cabinet ministers.
Constitutional changes enacted by a specially elected National Constitutional Assembly in 1998 took effect on August 10,
1998. The new constitution strengthens the executive branch by eliminating mid-term congressional elections and by
circumscribing Congress' power to challenge cabinet ministers. Party discipline is traditionally weak, and routinely many
deputies switch allegiance during each Congress. However, after the new Constitution took effect, the Congress passed a
code of ethics which imposes penalties on members who defy their party leadership on key votes.
Beginning with the 1996 election, the indigenous population abandoned its traditional policy of shunning the official
political system and participated actively. The indigenous population has established itself as a significant force in
Ecuadorian politics, as shown by the selection of indigenous representative Nina Pacari, who led the indigenous political
party, Pachakutik, as second vice president of the 1998 Congress.
A presidential election was held on 15 October 2006 and November 26, 2006. Rafael Correa defeated Alvaro Noboa in
a run-off election, or second and final round. Correa won with 56.8% of the vote.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Ecuador
charismatic, leaders to retain support than on programs or ideology. Frequent internal splits have produced extreme
factionalism. However, a pattern has emerged in which administrations from the center-left alternate with those from the
center-right. Although Ecuador's political elite is highly factionalized along regional, ideological, and personal lines, a
strong desire for consensus on major issues often leads to compromise. Opposition forces in Congress are loosely
organized, but historically they often unite to block the administration's initiatives and to remove cabinet ministers.
Constitutional changes enacted by a specially elected National Constitutional Assembly in 1998 took effect on August 10,
1998. The new constitution strengthens the executive branch by eliminating mid-term congressional elections and by
circumscribing Congress' power to challenge cabinet ministers. Party discipline is traditionally weak, and routinely many
deputies switch allegiance during each Congress. However, after the new Constitution took effect, the Congress passed a
code of ethics which imposes penalties on members who defy their party leadership on key votes.
Beginning with the 1996 election, the indigenous population abandoned its traditional policy of shunning the official
political system and participated actively. The indigenous population has established itself as a significant force in
Ecuadorian politics, as shown by the selection of indigenous representative Nina Pacari, who led the indigenous political
party, Pachakutik, as second vice president of the 1998 Congress.
A presidential election was held on 15 October 2006 and November 26, 2006. Rafael Correa defeated Alvaro Noboa in
a run-off election, or second and final round. Correa won with 56.8% of the vote.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Ecuador
| INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES |
Organized illegal narcotics operations in Colombia penetrate across Ecuador's shared border, which thousands of
Colombians also cross to escape the violence in their home country
Colombians also cross to escape the violence in their home country
| REFUGEES AND INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDP) |
Refugees (country of origin): 11,526 (Colombia); note - UNHCR estimates as many as 250,000 Colombians are seeking
asylum in Ecuador, many of whom do not register as refugees for fear of deportation (2007)
asylum in Ecuador, many of whom do not register as refugees for fear of deportation (2007)
| ILLICIT DRUGS |
Significant transit country for cocaine originating in Colombia and Peru, with much of the US-bound cocaine passing
through Ecuadorian Pacific waters; importer of precursor chemicals used in production of illicit narcotics; attractive
location for cash-placement by drug traffickers laundering money because of dollarization and weak
anti-money-laundering regime; increased activity on the northern frontier by trafficking groups and Colombian insurgents
(2008)
through Ecuadorian Pacific waters; importer of precursor chemicals used in production of illicit narcotics; attractive
location for cash-placement by drug traffickers laundering money because of dollarization and weak
anti-money-laundering regime; increased activity on the northern frontier by trafficking groups and Colombian insurgents
(2008)
| HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENTS, ANALYSIS AND CRITIQUES |
2009 Human Rights Report: Ecuador
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
Ecuador is a constitutional republic with a population of approximately 14.6 million. In September 2008, voters approved a
referendum on a new constitution, which became effective in October of that year, although many of its provisions were still being
implemented during the year. On April 26, voters reelected Rafael Correa to a four-year presidential term in elections that were
considered generally free and fair. Civilian authorities generally maintained effective control of the security forces.
While the government generally respected the human rights of its citizens, there continued to be problems in the following areas:
Societal problems continued despite constitutional provisions and some positive governmental steps on these issues, including:
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
Ecuador is a constitutional republic with a population of approximately 14.6 million. In September 2008, voters approved a
referendum on a new constitution, which became effective in October of that year, although many of its provisions were still being
implemented during the year. On April 26, voters reelected Rafael Correa to a four-year presidential term in elections that were
considered generally free and fair. Civilian authorities generally maintained effective control of the security forces.
While the government generally respected the human rights of its citizens, there continued to be problems in the following areas:
- isolated unlawful killings and use of excessive force by security forces, sometimes with impunity;
- poor prison conditions;
- arbitrary arrest and detention;
- corruption and other abuses by security forces;
- a high number of pretrial detainees;
- corruption and denial of due process within the judicial system.
- President Correa and his administration continued verbal and legal attacks against the independent media.
Societal problems continued despite constitutional provisions and some positive governmental steps on these issues, including:
- violence against women;
- discrimination against women, indigenous persons, Afro-Ecuadorians, and persons based on their sexual orientation;
- trafficking in persons and sexual exploitation of minors;
- child labor;
29 January 2010
Committee on the Rights of the Child
Fifty-third session
11-29 January 2010
Consideration of reports submitted by States parties under article 12(1) of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on
the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography
Concluding observations: Ecuador
Introduction
2. The Committee welcomes the submission of the State party's initial report. The Committee further welcomes its written replies
(CRC/C/OPSC/ECU/Q/1/Add.1) to the list of issues and appreciates the constructive dialogue with a high-level and multi-sectoral
delegation.
3. The Committee reminds the State party that these concluding observations should be read in conjunction with its concluding
observations adopted on the State party’s fourth periodic report on (CRC/C/ECU/CO/4) and with the concluding observation
adopted on the initial report under the Optional Protocol on the involvement of children in armed conflict
(CRC/C/OPAC/ECU/CO/1), both adopted on 29 January 2010.
I. General Observations
Positive aspects
4. The Committee notes with appreciation:
(a) The 2005 reform of the Penal Code, which criminalizes sexual exploitation of children, sexual exploitation related to the tourism
industry, child pornography, trafficking in persons, and sale of persons for the purpose of exploitation;
(b) The 2006 National Plan to Combat Human Trafficking, Smuggling of Migrants, Sexual Exploitation, Labour Exploitation,
Prostitution, Pornography and Other Forms of Exploitation of Women and Children and the Corruption of Minors;
II. Data
5. The Committee regrets the lack of a systematic mechanism of data collection, analysis and monitoring of all areas covered by the
Protocol, and the lack of research on the specific areas covered by the Protocol, especially of child sex tourism.
6. The Committee recommends that the State party develop and implement a comprehensive and systematic mechanism of data
collection, analysis, monitoring and impact assessment of all the areas covered by the Protocol. The data should be disaggregated,
inter alia, by sex, age, national and ethnic origin, geographical location, socio-economic status, with particular attention to the most
vulnerable groups of children. Data should also be collected on the number of prosecutions and convictions, disaggregated by the
nature of the offence. The Committee recommends the State party to seek technical support from inter alia UNICEF in relation to
the recommendation above.
Click here to read more »
Committee on the Rights of the Child
Fifty-third session
11-29 January 2010
Consideration of reports submitted by States parties under article 12(1) of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on
the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography
Concluding observations: Ecuador
Introduction
2. The Committee welcomes the submission of the State party's initial report. The Committee further welcomes its written replies
(CRC/C/OPSC/ECU/Q/1/Add.1) to the list of issues and appreciates the constructive dialogue with a high-level and multi-sectoral
delegation.
3. The Committee reminds the State party that these concluding observations should be read in conjunction with its concluding
observations adopted on the State party’s fourth periodic report on (CRC/C/ECU/CO/4) and with the concluding observation
adopted on the initial report under the Optional Protocol on the involvement of children in armed conflict
(CRC/C/OPAC/ECU/CO/1), both adopted on 29 January 2010.
I. General Observations
Positive aspects
4. The Committee notes with appreciation:
(a) The 2005 reform of the Penal Code, which criminalizes sexual exploitation of children, sexual exploitation related to the tourism
industry, child pornography, trafficking in persons, and sale of persons for the purpose of exploitation;
(b) The 2006 National Plan to Combat Human Trafficking, Smuggling of Migrants, Sexual Exploitation, Labour Exploitation,
Prostitution, Pornography and Other Forms of Exploitation of Women and Children and the Corruption of Minors;
II. Data
5. The Committee regrets the lack of a systematic mechanism of data collection, analysis and monitoring of all areas covered by the
Protocol, and the lack of research on the specific areas covered by the Protocol, especially of child sex tourism.
6. The Committee recommends that the State party develop and implement a comprehensive and systematic mechanism of data
collection, analysis, monitoring and impact assessment of all the areas covered by the Protocol. The data should be disaggregated,
inter alia, by sex, age, national and ethnic origin, geographical location, socio-economic status, with particular attention to the most
vulnerable groups of children. Data should also be collected on the number of prosecutions and convictions, disaggregated by the
nature of the offence. The Committee recommends the State party to seek technical support from inter alia UNICEF in relation to
the recommendation above.
Click here to read more »
FREEDOM IN THE WORLD REPORT 2009
Political Rights Score: 3
Civil Liberties Score: 3
Status: Partly Free
Overview
In March 2008, Colombian forces carried out a cross-border bombing raid on rebels based in Ecuador, dramatically raising tensions
between the two countries. In September, voters approved a new constitution that granted extensive powers to the executive
branch.
Work on the new charter was fitful during the first half of 2008. The most significant interruption came on March 2, when
Colombian warplanes bombed a FARC camp on Ecuadorean territory. Ecuador angrily denounced the attack and recalled its
ambassador from Bogota. Despite several attempts at reconciliation, the two countries remained at odds for the rest of the year.
In July 2008, the government confiscated the first of what would eventually be over 250 businesses owned by the Grupo Isaias
conglomerate. The government said it would sell the seized assets to compensate citizens whose savings were lost in the 1998
crash of an Isaias-owned bank, but critics noted that the two television stations confiscated in the action would be useful to the
government during the forthcoming constitutional referendum and subsequent elections.
Meanwhile, the constituent assembly finally approved a draft constitution, composed of 444 articles, in late July. Supporters said it
would do away with Ecuador’s ossified party system while guaranteeing an array of rights and services to all citizens. Critics of the
document argued that it concentrated both political and economic power in the hands of the president and posited a long list of
rights that the state would be hard pressed to uphold.
In a September referendum, the new constitution passed with approximately 64 percent of the vote. A subset of 76 of the 130
constituent assembly members were tasked with fulfilling legislative duties during the transition period, including enactment of an
election law that would govern presidential and legislative elections scheduled for April 2009.
Ecuador is an electoral democracy. However, it suffers from an unstable political system that has brought it eight presidents since
1996. The 2006 elections, while generally free and fair, were plagued by technical glitches. Elections to the constituent assembly in
2007 were deemed free and fair by the European Union, as was the September 2008 constitutional referendum.
Click here to read more »
Political Rights Score: 3
Civil Liberties Score: 3
Status: Partly Free
Overview
In March 2008, Colombian forces carried out a cross-border bombing raid on rebels based in Ecuador, dramatically raising tensions
between the two countries. In September, voters approved a new constitution that granted extensive powers to the executive
branch.
Work on the new charter was fitful during the first half of 2008. The most significant interruption came on March 2, when
Colombian warplanes bombed a FARC camp on Ecuadorean territory. Ecuador angrily denounced the attack and recalled its
ambassador from Bogota. Despite several attempts at reconciliation, the two countries remained at odds for the rest of the year.
In July 2008, the government confiscated the first of what would eventually be over 250 businesses owned by the Grupo Isaias
conglomerate. The government said it would sell the seized assets to compensate citizens whose savings were lost in the 1998
crash of an Isaias-owned bank, but critics noted that the two television stations confiscated in the action would be useful to the
government during the forthcoming constitutional referendum and subsequent elections.
Meanwhile, the constituent assembly finally approved a draft constitution, composed of 444 articles, in late July. Supporters said it
would do away with Ecuador’s ossified party system while guaranteeing an array of rights and services to all citizens. Critics of the
document argued that it concentrated both political and economic power in the hands of the president and posited a long list of
rights that the state would be hard pressed to uphold.
In a September referendum, the new constitution passed with approximately 64 percent of the vote. A subset of 76 of the 130
constituent assembly members were tasked with fulfilling legislative duties during the transition period, including enactment of an
election law that would govern presidential and legislative elections scheduled for April 2009.
Ecuador is an electoral democracy. However, it suffers from an unstable political system that has brought it eight presidents since
1996. The 2006 elections, while generally free and fair, were plagued by technical glitches. Elections to the constituent assembly in
2007 were deemed free and fair by the European Union, as was the September 2008 constitutional referendum.
Click here to read more »
Ecuador: Death threats
PUBLIC AI Index: AMR 28/002/2009
22 May 2009
A government official has threatened to kill human rights defenders Joel Vicente Zhunio Samaniego and Wilmar Fernando Mejia
Reinoso. Human rights defender Etelvina de Jesus Misacango Chuñir has been threatened and assaulted because of her work. All
three are in grave danger.
They are members of organizations that are part of the National Coordinating Body for the Defense of Life and Sovereignty
(Coordinadora Nacional por la Defensa de la Vida y la Soberania, CNDVS), based in the south-east of the country. On 9 May, Joel
Vicente Zhunio Samaniego and Wilmar Fernando Mejia Reinoso took part in a demonstration organized by a CNDVS member
organization, in the town of San Miguel de Conchay, in Morona Santiago province. They were protesting against a meeting being
held between the province's representative of the national government (Teniente Politico), some local farmers, and representatives
of a Canadian mining corporation which, according to the CNDVS, is operating in the area with a license that has expired.
When demonstrators arrived outside the meeting, the Teniente Politicostarted shouting at Wilmar Fernando Mejia Reinoso and Joel
Vicente Zhunio Samaniego: "You, get out of here, clear off to Gualaquiza [a nearby town], you have no business in my town, you
are not from here, I am running my meeting" (Tú lárgate de aquí, lárgate a Gualaquiza, no tienes nada que hacer en mi parroquia, tú
no sois de aquí, yo estoy haciendo mi reunion)..Then he pointed at Joel Vicente Zhunio Samanieg, and said, "You are a dead man."
(Eres hombre muerto). Policemen intervened to calm him down. Joel Vicente Zhunio Samaniego and Wilmar Fernando Mejia
Reinoso reported the threat to the provincial Ombudsman (Defensor del Pueblo de Morona Santiago) on 12 May, but no
investigation is known to have been opened into the behaviour of the Teniente Politico.
On 22 April, Etelvina de Jesus Misacango Chuñir was attacked by four men who lived near her in the town of Molleturo, Canton
Cuenca, in Azuay province. She nearly reached her home when the four started shouting at her, "Lazy, you are making trouble
because you are lazy … you are against the mines because you are lazy." (Vaga, por vaga andas haciendo problema … por vagos
están en contra de las mineras). Then they knocked her to the ground, hitting and kicking her. She managed to get into her house,
but they followed her in, and started attacking her again. They also attacked her son, who tried to defend her. The attackers
stopped only after neighbours intervened, when they saw Etelvina de Jesus Misacango Chuñir being dragged out of the house by
her hair.
Click here to read more »
PUBLIC AI Index: AMR 28/002/2009
22 May 2009
A government official has threatened to kill human rights defenders Joel Vicente Zhunio Samaniego and Wilmar Fernando Mejia
Reinoso. Human rights defender Etelvina de Jesus Misacango Chuñir has been threatened and assaulted because of her work. All
three are in grave danger.
They are members of organizations that are part of the National Coordinating Body for the Defense of Life and Sovereignty
(Coordinadora Nacional por la Defensa de la Vida y la Soberania, CNDVS), based in the south-east of the country. On 9 May, Joel
Vicente Zhunio Samaniego and Wilmar Fernando Mejia Reinoso took part in a demonstration organized by a CNDVS member
organization, in the town of San Miguel de Conchay, in Morona Santiago province. They were protesting against a meeting being
held between the province's representative of the national government (Teniente Politico), some local farmers, and representatives
of a Canadian mining corporation which, according to the CNDVS, is operating in the area with a license that has expired.
When demonstrators arrived outside the meeting, the Teniente Politicostarted shouting at Wilmar Fernando Mejia Reinoso and Joel
Vicente Zhunio Samaniego: "You, get out of here, clear off to Gualaquiza [a nearby town], you have no business in my town, you
are not from here, I am running my meeting" (Tú lárgate de aquí, lárgate a Gualaquiza, no tienes nada que hacer en mi parroquia, tú
no sois de aquí, yo estoy haciendo mi reunion)..Then he pointed at Joel Vicente Zhunio Samanieg, and said, "You are a dead man."
(Eres hombre muerto). Policemen intervened to calm him down. Joel Vicente Zhunio Samaniego and Wilmar Fernando Mejia
Reinoso reported the threat to the provincial Ombudsman (Defensor del Pueblo de Morona Santiago) on 12 May, but no
investigation is known to have been opened into the behaviour of the Teniente Politico.
On 22 April, Etelvina de Jesus Misacango Chuñir was attacked by four men who lived near her in the town of Molleturo, Canton
Cuenca, in Azuay province. She nearly reached her home when the four started shouting at her, "Lazy, you are making trouble
because you are lazy … you are against the mines because you are lazy." (Vaga, por vaga andas haciendo problema … por vagos
están en contra de las mineras). Then they knocked her to the ground, hitting and kicking her. She managed to get into her house,
but they followed her in, and started attacking her again. They also attacked her son, who tried to defend her. The attackers
stopped only after neighbours intervened, when they saw Etelvina de Jesus Misacango Chuñir being dragged out of the house by
her hair.
Click here to read more »
Ecuador: Amend Draft Communications Law
Proposal as Written Would Undermine Press Freedom
December 15, 2009
(Washington, DC) - The Ecuadorian National Assembly should amend proposed legislation to regulate communications, Human
Rights Watch said today. The current draft includes provisions that could restrict free expression instead of safeguarding it, Human
Right Watch said.
"Ecuador is following a regional trend and taking a step in the right direction with a proposal for a new communications law," said
José Miguel Vivanco, Americas director at Human Rights Watch. "It is now up to the National Assembly to amend the proposal to
make sure this is not a wasted opportunity."
The proposal includes positive measures, such as explicitly prohibiting monopolies and oligopolies in media ownership, promoting
subtitles or sign language to provide equal access for those with hearing disabilities, and requiring government offices and private
entities that administer public resources or provide public services to disclose public information they hold.
But it also includes several problematic provisions that, if adopted, would violate Ecuador's obligation to protect free expression,
Human Rights Watch said.
Prior Censorship
The proposed law includes vague language that seems to open the way for censorship and language limiting the content of media
programming. Proposed article 11 states that "the exercise of communication rights will not be subject to prior censorship, except
in those cases established in the Constitution, in international treaties in force, and in the law, and the same applies to subsequent
liability for violating these rights." Proposed article 30 states that "the programming of media outlets will disseminate, primarily,
contents of an informative, educational, and cultural nature."
Article 13 of the American Convention of Human Rights explicitly prohibits prior censorship. The Declaration of Principles on
Freedom of Expression, adopted by the Inter American Commission on Human Rights, states that "[p]rior censorship, direct or
indirect interference in or pressure exerted upon any expression, opinion or information transmitted through any means of oral,
written, artistic, visual or electronic communication must be prohibited by law. Restrictions to the free circulation of ideas and
opinions, as well as the arbitrary imposition of information and the imposition of obstacles to the free flow of information violate
the right to freedom of expression."
Click here to read more »
Proposal as Written Would Undermine Press Freedom
December 15, 2009
(Washington, DC) - The Ecuadorian National Assembly should amend proposed legislation to regulate communications, Human
Rights Watch said today. The current draft includes provisions that could restrict free expression instead of safeguarding it, Human
Right Watch said.
"Ecuador is following a regional trend and taking a step in the right direction with a proposal for a new communications law," said
José Miguel Vivanco, Americas director at Human Rights Watch. "It is now up to the National Assembly to amend the proposal to
make sure this is not a wasted opportunity."
The proposal includes positive measures, such as explicitly prohibiting monopolies and oligopolies in media ownership, promoting
subtitles or sign language to provide equal access for those with hearing disabilities, and requiring government offices and private
entities that administer public resources or provide public services to disclose public information they hold.
But it also includes several problematic provisions that, if adopted, would violate Ecuador's obligation to protect free expression,
Human Rights Watch said.
Prior Censorship
The proposed law includes vague language that seems to open the way for censorship and language limiting the content of media
programming. Proposed article 11 states that "the exercise of communication rights will not be subject to prior censorship, except
in those cases established in the Constitution, in international treaties in force, and in the law, and the same applies to subsequent
liability for violating these rights." Proposed article 30 states that "the programming of media outlets will disseminate, primarily,
contents of an informative, educational, and cultural nature."
Article 13 of the American Convention of Human Rights explicitly prohibits prior censorship. The Declaration of Principles on
Freedom of Expression, adopted by the Inter American Commission on Human Rights, states that "[p]rior censorship, direct or
indirect interference in or pressure exerted upon any expression, opinion or information transmitted through any means of oral,
written, artistic, visual or electronic communication must be prohibited by law. Restrictions to the free circulation of ideas and
opinions, as well as the arbitrary imposition of information and the imposition of obstacles to the free flow of information violate
the right to freedom of expression."
Click here to read more »
STATEMENT BY HIS EXCELLENCY PANDER FALCONI BENITES
MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, TRADE AND INTEGRATION
AT THE SIXTY-FOURTH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
New York, 28 September, 2009
Mr. President of the General Assembly,
Latin America and the Caribbean have understood that the best way to face today challenges is through an effective multilateral action.
Our region is passing through an intense process of integration based on solidarity and cooperation. This is demonstrated in regional
forums so vital such as the Rio Group, the UNASUR, the ALBA and the CARICOM. On each of those groups, different proposals and
actions are being developed, aimed at the construction of a common agenda on the social, cultural, political and economic field, in
order to build a new model of development, more inclusive and less predator.
Ecuador observes this time of crisis as an opportunity to radicalize the changes that will allow us to transform our societies that are
currently based on competition and on irrational and untenable consumption, placing merchandise over people, in societies based on
the harmony of human beings with their selves, with their peers and with nature.
During the current session, the General Assembly must take strategic and important decisions for Ecuador, as well as for the rest of
Member States. Decisions that will make the actions of the Organization much more effective towards the promotion and defense
of human rights of people with differential capacities; the recognition and implementation of indigenous peoples' rights; gender equality
and the struggle against human trafficking, among other important issues.
I would like to refer in a very special way to my country's commitment to combat human trafficking scourge. We firmly support the
necessity of a Global Plan of Action and we offer to the Organization our national experience in legal and control terms. Another
subject we considerer essential for the agenda of this Assembly is the one of international migration. In the current Ecuadorian
Constitution, one of our most Transforming principals regarding international relations promotes the recognition of a universal
citizenship, the right of freedom to migrate of all of earth's population and the progressive end of the foreigner condition. For us, there
is no such thing as illegal human beings, what exists are illegal and immoral practices of exclusion and exploitation. In the very XXI
century, markets and capitals do not find any frontiers meanwhile walls are been built to condition the mobility of human beings.
Click here to read more »
MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, TRADE AND INTEGRATION
AT THE SIXTY-FOURTH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
New York, 28 September, 2009
Mr. President of the General Assembly,
Latin America and the Caribbean have understood that the best way to face today challenges is through an effective multilateral action.
Our region is passing through an intense process of integration based on solidarity and cooperation. This is demonstrated in regional
forums so vital such as the Rio Group, the UNASUR, the ALBA and the CARICOM. On each of those groups, different proposals and
actions are being developed, aimed at the construction of a common agenda on the social, cultural, political and economic field, in
order to build a new model of development, more inclusive and less predator.
Ecuador observes this time of crisis as an opportunity to radicalize the changes that will allow us to transform our societies that are
currently based on competition and on irrational and untenable consumption, placing merchandise over people, in societies based on
the harmony of human beings with their selves, with their peers and with nature.
During the current session, the General Assembly must take strategic and important decisions for Ecuador, as well as for the rest of
Member States. Decisions that will make the actions of the Organization much more effective towards the promotion and defense
of human rights of people with differential capacities; the recognition and implementation of indigenous peoples' rights; gender equality
and the struggle against human trafficking, among other important issues.
I would like to refer in a very special way to my country's commitment to combat human trafficking scourge. We firmly support the
necessity of a Global Plan of Action and we offer to the Organization our national experience in legal and control terms. Another
subject we considerer essential for the agenda of this Assembly is the one of international migration. In the current Ecuadorian
Constitution, one of our most Transforming principals regarding international relations promotes the recognition of a universal
citizenship, the right of freedom to migrate of all of earth's population and the progressive end of the foreigner condition. For us, there
is no such thing as illegal human beings, what exists are illegal and immoral practices of exclusion and exploitation. In the very XXI
century, markets and capitals do not find any frontiers meanwhile walls are been built to condition the mobility of human beings.
Click here to read more »
TRANSLATED FROM SPANISH BY GOOGLE TRANSLATE
Trafficking
Written by Communication
Tuesday, March 16, 2010 17:48
FALENCIA IDENTIFY TO PUNISH TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS
According to an investigation by the Ombudsman of Ecuador (DPE), has shortcomings justice to punish and prevent the crime of
'white slavery'. The report, which was presented yesterday at the Universidad Andina Simón Bolívar in Quito, collects data from
cases brought by the crime in the provinces of Pichincha, Tungurahua, Azuay and El Oro
TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS IN THE COUNTRY INCREASES
Ombudsman yesterday presented a report on human trafficking, a crime that is increasing in the country. The holder of this office,
Fernando Gutierrez, explained that in 2009 87 complaints were submitted for this offense and received only one conviction. He
further stated that the Office received 171 complaints of sexual exploitation, of which only two were convicted.
REPORT OF THE SHOWS Ombudsman INCREASED TRAFFICKING VICTIMS
An increase in the number of victims captured by the networks and commercial sexual exploitation in the country reveals the
Ombudsman, it is estimated that women and children are the most sought
INCREASE OF VICTIMS OF TRAFFICKING
A report by the Ombudsman's Office, shows an increase in the number of victims captured by the networks of commercial sexual
exploitation in the country.
Click here to read more »
Trafficking
Written by Communication
Tuesday, March 16, 2010 17:48
FALENCIA IDENTIFY TO PUNISH TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS
According to an investigation by the Ombudsman of Ecuador (DPE), has shortcomings justice to punish and prevent the crime of
'white slavery'. The report, which was presented yesterday at the Universidad Andina Simón Bolívar in Quito, collects data from
cases brought by the crime in the provinces of Pichincha, Tungurahua, Azuay and El Oro
TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS IN THE COUNTRY INCREASES
Ombudsman yesterday presented a report on human trafficking, a crime that is increasing in the country. The holder of this office,
Fernando Gutierrez, explained that in 2009 87 complaints were submitted for this offense and received only one conviction. He
further stated that the Office received 171 complaints of sexual exploitation, of which only two were convicted.
REPORT OF THE SHOWS Ombudsman INCREASED TRAFFICKING VICTIMS
An increase in the number of victims captured by the networks and commercial sexual exploitation in the country reveals the
Ombudsman, it is estimated that women and children are the most sought
INCREASE OF VICTIMS OF TRAFFICKING
A report by the Ombudsman's Office, shows an increase in the number of victims captured by the networks of commercial sexual
exploitation in the country.
Click here to read more »
TRANSLATED FROM SPANISH BY GOOGLE TRANSLATE
Agreements II Congress IOTC and new Board
By ECUARUNARI - Posted on March 15, 2010
Andean Coordinator of Indigenous Organizations - IOTC
Major decisions of the Second Congress of the IOTC
The rights of Mother Earth and indigenous peoples to realize the Plural States and Good Living is the transverse axis of the
conclusions reached by the Second Congress of the Andean Coordinator of Indigenous Organizations.
In the five working committees were discussed: the global crisis, the climate crisis and the good living of the people, the rebuilding
of peoples and multinational states, the defense of territories and Mother Nature: mega-projects of IIRSA territories indigenous
criminalization and militarization, Indian diplomacy and international advocacy and continental coordination of indigenous peoples.
Global Crisis, Climate Crisis and People's Living Well
"The climate crisis is not resolved by giving cash. The Andean peoples also have responsibility to protect resources. We are
questioning the global crisis, but we have moved from resistance to the proposal. "
The IOTC member countries tackle climate change by challenging the neoliberal model extractive who plunders, pillages and
pollutes Mother Earth. And they require the recognition of ecological debt and climate, which are polluting countries and extractors
of wealth of the native peoples.
Demand that national governments meet to make the query to the prior, free and informed consent of indigenous peoples before the
implementation of models and laws of "development" that affect indigenous peoples.
To make a decision of the International Court of Justice Climate Peoples, from the drafting and approval of a United Nations
Universal Declaration of Mother Earth, in order to punish those responsible for climate change: multinationals from rich countries
and the complicit governments of poor countries.
Influence as indigenous people in all national and international proposals to confront global warming.
Demand from national governments respect and the realization of the International Conventions on Biodiversity.
Rebuilding and strengthening the ancestral knowledge of care of Mother Earth, reassessing our identity, to strengthen their own
alternatives to natural resource use and rejecting the false solutions proposed by national governments and international agencies.
Refuse and require national governments not to continue awarding concessions to extractive industries destroying our Mother Earth.
Participate in Cochabamba Climate Summit convened by President Evo Morales, also in the COP16 of Mexico In November of
2010.
Reconstitution of the peoples and multinational states
"The restoration of the indigenous peoples began in the home. Knowing where we are, who we know from where to where is our
territory. Remember our heroes. "
The transnational economic model and the proposed life of the people, are two opposing thoughts, one focused on the extraction
and excessive accumulation and the other, promoted good living and multinational states. Thus, the dominant culture is firmly
opposed to the worldview and customs of indigenous peoples, their institutions playing from racism and exclusion. It is therefore
urgent to build multi-state States face the coloniality of power and the economic model of accumulation.
Strengthen partnerships with all sectors and social actors from the countries in the IOTC to fight against the governments and
national and international neoliberal affecting the rights of peoples.
Click here to read more »
Agreements II Congress IOTC and new Board
By ECUARUNARI - Posted on March 15, 2010
Andean Coordinator of Indigenous Organizations - IOTC
Major decisions of the Second Congress of the IOTC
The rights of Mother Earth and indigenous peoples to realize the Plural States and Good Living is the transverse axis of the
conclusions reached by the Second Congress of the Andean Coordinator of Indigenous Organizations.
In the five working committees were discussed: the global crisis, the climate crisis and the good living of the people, the rebuilding
of peoples and multinational states, the defense of territories and Mother Nature: mega-projects of IIRSA territories indigenous
criminalization and militarization, Indian diplomacy and international advocacy and continental coordination of indigenous peoples.
Global Crisis, Climate Crisis and People's Living Well
"The climate crisis is not resolved by giving cash. The Andean peoples also have responsibility to protect resources. We are
questioning the global crisis, but we have moved from resistance to the proposal. "
The IOTC member countries tackle climate change by challenging the neoliberal model extractive who plunders, pillages and
pollutes Mother Earth. And they require the recognition of ecological debt and climate, which are polluting countries and extractors
of wealth of the native peoples.
Demand that national governments meet to make the query to the prior, free and informed consent of indigenous peoples before the
implementation of models and laws of "development" that affect indigenous peoples.
To make a decision of the International Court of Justice Climate Peoples, from the drafting and approval of a United Nations
Universal Declaration of Mother Earth, in order to punish those responsible for climate change: multinationals from rich countries
and the complicit governments of poor countries.
Influence as indigenous people in all national and international proposals to confront global warming.
Demand from national governments respect and the realization of the International Conventions on Biodiversity.
Rebuilding and strengthening the ancestral knowledge of care of Mother Earth, reassessing our identity, to strengthen their own
alternatives to natural resource use and rejecting the false solutions proposed by national governments and international agencies.
Refuse and require national governments not to continue awarding concessions to extractive industries destroying our Mother Earth.
Participate in Cochabamba Climate Summit convened by President Evo Morales, also in the COP16 of Mexico In November of
2010.
Reconstitution of the peoples and multinational states
"The restoration of the indigenous peoples began in the home. Knowing where we are, who we know from where to where is our
territory. Remember our heroes. "
The transnational economic model and the proposed life of the people, are two opposing thoughts, one focused on the extraction
and excessive accumulation and the other, promoted good living and multinational states. Thus, the dominant culture is firmly
opposed to the worldview and customs of indigenous peoples, their institutions playing from racism and exclusion. It is therefore
urgent to build multi-state States face the coloniality of power and the economic model of accumulation.
Strengthen partnerships with all sectors and social actors from the countries in the IOTC to fight against the governments and
national and international neoliberal affecting the rights of peoples.
Click here to read more »
Ecuador's culture and history mirrors the diversity of its landscape. Like much of South America, Ecuadorian culture
blends the influences of Spanish colonialism with the resilient traditions of pre-Columbian peoples. Archaeologists trace
the first inhabitants as far back as 10,000 BC, when hunters and gatherers established settlements on the southern coast
and in the central highlands. By 3,200 BC three distinct agricultural-based civilizations had emerged, producing some of
the hemisphere's oldest known pottery. They developed trade routes with nearby Peru, Brazil, and Amazonian tribes.
Culture continued to thrive and diversify, and by 500 BC large cities had been established along the coast. Their
inhabitants had sophisticated metalworking and navigational skills and they traded with Mexico's Maya. In 1460 AD,
when the Inca ruler Tupac-Yupanqui invaded from the south, three major tribes in Ecuador were powerful enough to give
him a fight: the Canari, the Quitu, and the Caras. After conquering Ecuador, Huayna Capac indoctrinated the tribes to
Quechua, the language of the Incas, which is still widely spoken in Ecuador. In celebration of his victory, Huayna Capac
ordered a great city to be built at Tomebamba, near Cuenca. Its size and influence rivaled the capital of Cuzco in Peru--a
rivalry that would mature with posterity. When he died in 1526, Huayna Capac divided the empire between his two sons,
Atahualpa and Huascar. Atahualpa ruled the northern reaches from Tombebamba, while Huascar held court over the
south from Cuzco. The split inheritance was an unconventional and fateful move, as the first Spaniards arrived in the same
year. On the eve of Pizarro's expedition into the empire, the brothers entered into a civil war for complete control.
Francisco Pizarro landed in Ecuador in 1532, accompanied by 180 fully armed men and an equally strong lust for gold.
Several years earlier, Pizarro had made a peaceful visit to the coast, where he heard rumors of inland cities of incredible
wealth. This time, he intended to conquer the Incas just as Hernando Cortez had crushed Mexico's Aztecs--and he
couldn't have picked a better time. Atahualpa had only recently won the war against his brother when Pizarro arrived, and
the empire was still unstable. Pizarro ambushed the ruler, forced him to collect an enormous ransom, and then executed
him. Although the Incas mounted considerable resistance to Pizarro, they were soon broken. Spanish governors ruled
Ecuador for nearly 300 years, first from Lima, Peru, then later from the vice-royalty of Colombia. The Spanish introduced
Roman Catholicism, colonial architecture, and today's national language. Independence was won in 1822, when the
famed South American liberator Simon Bolivar defeated a Spanish army at the Battle of Pichincha. Bolivar united
Ecuador with Colombia and Venezuela, forming the state of Gran Colombia. His plan was to eventually unite all of South
America as a constitutional republic, and one can only wonder what such a nation would have been like if his dream had
been realized. After eight years, however, local interests sparked Ecuador to secede from the union. Colombia and
Venezuela soon split. When Quito withdrew in 1830, the traditional name was changed in favor of the "Republic of the
Equator." Between 1904 and 1942, Ecuador lost territories in a series of conflicts with its neighbors. A border war with
Peru that flared in 1995 was resolved in 1999. Although Ecuador marked 25 years of civilian governance in 2004, the
period has been marred by political instability. Eight presidents have governed Ecuador since 1996.
Sources: Geographica Ecuador History ; CIA World Factbook (select Ecuador)
blends the influences of Spanish colonialism with the resilient traditions of pre-Columbian peoples. Archaeologists trace
the first inhabitants as far back as 10,000 BC, when hunters and gatherers established settlements on the southern coast
and in the central highlands. By 3,200 BC three distinct agricultural-based civilizations had emerged, producing some of
the hemisphere's oldest known pottery. They developed trade routes with nearby Peru, Brazil, and Amazonian tribes.
Culture continued to thrive and diversify, and by 500 BC large cities had been established along the coast. Their
inhabitants had sophisticated metalworking and navigational skills and they traded with Mexico's Maya. In 1460 AD,
when the Inca ruler Tupac-Yupanqui invaded from the south, three major tribes in Ecuador were powerful enough to give
him a fight: the Canari, the Quitu, and the Caras. After conquering Ecuador, Huayna Capac indoctrinated the tribes to
Quechua, the language of the Incas, which is still widely spoken in Ecuador. In celebration of his victory, Huayna Capac
ordered a great city to be built at Tomebamba, near Cuenca. Its size and influence rivaled the capital of Cuzco in Peru--a
rivalry that would mature with posterity. When he died in 1526, Huayna Capac divided the empire between his two sons,
Atahualpa and Huascar. Atahualpa ruled the northern reaches from Tombebamba, while Huascar held court over the
south from Cuzco. The split inheritance was an unconventional and fateful move, as the first Spaniards arrived in the same
year. On the eve of Pizarro's expedition into the empire, the brothers entered into a civil war for complete control.
Francisco Pizarro landed in Ecuador in 1532, accompanied by 180 fully armed men and an equally strong lust for gold.
Several years earlier, Pizarro had made a peaceful visit to the coast, where he heard rumors of inland cities of incredible
wealth. This time, he intended to conquer the Incas just as Hernando Cortez had crushed Mexico's Aztecs--and he
couldn't have picked a better time. Atahualpa had only recently won the war against his brother when Pizarro arrived, and
the empire was still unstable. Pizarro ambushed the ruler, forced him to collect an enormous ransom, and then executed
him. Although the Incas mounted considerable resistance to Pizarro, they were soon broken. Spanish governors ruled
Ecuador for nearly 300 years, first from Lima, Peru, then later from the vice-royalty of Colombia. The Spanish introduced
Roman Catholicism, colonial architecture, and today's national language. Independence was won in 1822, when the
famed South American liberator Simon Bolivar defeated a Spanish army at the Battle of Pichincha. Bolivar united
Ecuador with Colombia and Venezuela, forming the state of Gran Colombia. His plan was to eventually unite all of South
America as a constitutional republic, and one can only wonder what such a nation would have been like if his dream had
been realized. After eight years, however, local interests sparked Ecuador to secede from the union. Colombia and
Venezuela soon split. When Quito withdrew in 1830, the traditional name was changed in favor of the "Republic of the
Equator." Between 1904 and 1942, Ecuador lost territories in a series of conflicts with its neighbors. A border war with
Peru that flared in 1995 was resolved in 1999. Although Ecuador marked 25 years of civilian governance in 2004, the
period has been marred by political instability. Eight presidents have governed Ecuador since 1996.
Sources: Geographica Ecuador History ; CIA World Factbook (select Ecuador)
Click on map for larger view
Click on flag for Country Report
Rafael Correa Delgado
President since 15 January 2007
President since 15 January 2007
| TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS |
None reported.