Amnesty International Urges Ecuador Candidates to Prioritize Human Rights
Amnesty International has called on Ecuador’s presidential candidates to address human rights concerns ahead of the April 13, 2025, run-off election. The letter highlights serious allegations against President Noboa’s administration, including forced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. Human Rights Watch also expressed concerns about Noboa’s state of emergency declaration, emphasizing the need for policies that safeguard human rights. The final debate between the candidates is set for March 23.
Amnesty International has urged the presidential candidates in Ecuador to prioritize human rights in their political agendas, as expressed in an open letter released prior to the presidential run-off election scheduled for April 13, 2025. The call comes amid growing international concern regarding potential human rights violations within the country over the years.
The recent election, held on February 9th, resulted in a tie between incumbent President Daniel Noboa and Luisa González. Noboa’s presidency has been fraught with various legal and human rights issues, highlighted by the issuance of a 60-day state of emergency in May 2024, which was declared unconstitutional by the Constitutional Court. Reports throughout 2024 indicate serious allegations of mass arrests, extrajudicial killings, torture, and enforced disappearances.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) raised alarms about Noboa’s declaration of an “internal armed conflict,” suggesting it lacked legal standing and could lead to human rights abuses. HRW has called for government policies that uphold human rights as a critical response to such concerns.
In a concerning event from December 2024, the military was implicated in the forced disappearance of four boys aged between 11 and 15. The Human Rights Commission subsequently submitted a petition to the UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances, while the Ecuadorian government rejected these allegations.
Amnesty International’s letter specifically highlights the pressing issues of forced disappearances and other human rights violations. It implores candidates to commit to human rights-compliant policies, posing poignant questions such as how they would address security policies in light of allegations of torture and extrajudicial killings in military operations and alleviating the crisis within prisons.
The final debate between Daniel Noboa and Luisa González is scheduled for March 23, preceding the pivotal run-off election set for April 13.
In conclusion, the open letter from Amnesty International underscores the urgent need for Ecuador’s presidential candidates to address significant human rights concerns amid a backdrop of alarming allegations under the current administration. The upcoming election presents an opportunity for candidates to commit to policies that ensure respect for human rights and address past violations. As the election date approaches, the importance of these discussions cannot be overstated.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
