Amnesty International has urged Ecuador’s presidential candidates to address human rights concerns in light of alarming reports of abuses during President Daniel Noboa’s tenure. With the run-off election set for April 13, 2025, the organization calls for policies that respect human rights amid ongoing issues, including forced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. The final debate is scheduled for March 23.
Amnesty International has urged Ecuador’s presidential candidates to prioritize human rights issues in their electoral platforms. This call to action comes in light of the upcoming run-off vote scheduled for April 13, 2025, following a tie in the February 9th presidential election between incumbent President Daniel Noboa and challenger Luisa González. Concerns regarding human rights violations in Ecuador have been raised by various international organizations over the years.
During President Noboa’s tenure, which began in November 2023, multiple human rights and rule of law issues have emerged. Notably, in May 2024, Noboa declared a new, localized state of emergency despite a prior ruling by the Constitutional Court deeming the previous one unconstitutional. Reports throughout 2024 indicate widespread allegations of mass arrests, extrajudicial killings, torture, and forced disappearances.
Moreover, in May 2024, Human Rights Watch expressed disquiet regarding Noboa’s characterization of an “internal armed conflict,” deeming it legally unfounded and potentially conducive to human rights abuses. The organization called for the Ecuadorian government to adopt policies that uphold human rights protections.
In December 2024, a troubling case surfaced involving the military’s forced disappearance of four minors, aged 11 to 15. This led the Human Rights Commission to petition the United Nations Committee on Enforced Disappearances, while the Ecuadorian government refuted these claims.
Amnesty International’s letter directly addresses these grave issues, questioning both candidates on their plans to promote human rights-compliant policies. Specific inquiries include, “In the face of allegations of forced disappearances and extrajudicial executions in military operations, what will you do to guarantee that your security policies respect human rights?” and, “What will you do to address the prison crises in light of reports of possible acts of torture committed in prisons?”
The final debate between the candidates is set for March 23, leading up to the crucial tie-breaking election on April 13.
In summary, Amnesty International has called for Ecuadorian presidential candidates to confront pressing human rights issues ahead of the pivotal 2025 run-off election. The organization emphasizes the necessity for policies that uphold human rights in response to alarming reports of abuses during President Noboa’s administration. The upcoming debate and election provide an opportunity for candidates to clarify their positions on these critical issues.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
