Amnesty International has called upon Ecuador’s presidential candidates to prioritize human rights issues before the upcoming April 13, 2025, run-off election. The organization highlighted escalating concerns over human rights violations during President Noboa’s tenure, including mass arrests and forced disappearances. The letter urges candidates to commit to policies that uphold human rights standards.
Amnesty International has urged Ecuador’s presidential candidates to prioritize human rights issues in light of the upcoming run-off vote on April 13, 2025. In an open letter, the organization highlighted concerns raised by various international entities regarding potential human rights violations in Ecuador. This appeal follows the tied presidential election on February 9, 2025, between incumbent President Daniel Noboa and candidate Luisa González.
During President Noboa’s administration, human rights concerns have escalated significantly. In May 2024, he declared a new 60-day state of emergency despite a ruling from the Constitutional Court deeming the prior declaration unconstitutional. There have been alarming reports throughout 2024 involving mass arrests, extrajudicial killings, torture, and enforced disappearances.
Furthermore, Human Rights Watch communicated its apprehensions regarding Noboa’s classification of an “internal armed conflict”, which it criticized as lacking a legal foundation and possibly leading to further human rights violations. HRW called for policy responses that uphold human rights standards in Ecuador.
A grave incident in December 2024 drew international scrutiny when four boys, aged between 11 and 15, were forcibly disappeared by military personnel. Subsequently, the Human Rights Commission presented a petition to the United Nations Committee on Enforced Disappearances while the government rejected such accusations.
Amnesty International has specifically referenced the issue of forced disappearances and broader human rights abuses in its letter, urging candidates to commit to human rights-compliant policies. The organization posed critical questions, such as how candidates would ensure security policies respect human rights and address the prison crises in light of reported torture.
The final presidential debate is scheduled for March 23, before the decisive vote on April 13, 2025.
In summary, Amnesty International’s urgent plea to Ecuador’s presidential candidates underscores the pressing need for them to address human rights issues, especially amid rising allegations of abuses under President Noboa’s leadership. As the nation approaches the upcoming vote, it is essential for candidates to articulate their strategies to enhance human rights protections, particularly in light of recent troubling incidents and International scrutiny.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
