Amnesty International has called on Ecuador’s presidential candidates to address human rights issues, particularly ahead of the tie-breaking vote on April 13, 2025. The organization highlighted ongoing concerns about forced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and other abuses during President Noboa’s leadership. Both candidates are urged to align their policies with human rights standards as they prepare for the final debate on March 23.
Amnesty International has urged Ecuador’s presidential candidates to prioritize human rights concerns in their policies ahead of the critical tie-breaking runoff vote on April 13, 2025. This call follows growing apprehension regarding potential human rights violations within the nation, highlighted by various international entities over the years.
The February 9, 2025 presidential election culminated in a tie between current President Daniel Noboa and his challenger, Luisa González. Significant human rights and rule of law issues have surfaced during Noboa’s administration since he assumed office in November 2023, including his controversial decision in May 2024 to impose a localized state of emergency, despite a ruling from the Constitutional Court deeming the prior emergency unconstitutional.
Throughout 2024, serious allegations regarding mass arrests, extrajudicial killings, torture, and enforced disappearances have emerged. Human Rights Watch has criticized Noboa’s declaration of an “internal armed conflict,” suggesting that it lacks a legal foundation and potentially opens avenues for further human rights abuses, urging the government to enact policies aligned with human rights.
A grave incident in December 2024 further underscored these concerns, involving the military’s forced disappearance of four minors between the ages of 11 and 15. The Human Rights Commission escalated the issue by petitioning the UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances, although the government refuted the claims.
Amnesty International’s letter details specific allegations of forced disappearances and other human rights violations, urging candidates to formulate strategies that adhere to human rights standards. The letter poses critical questions to the candidates, such as their plans to ensure security policies respect human rights amidst reports of torture and the ongoing prison crisis.
The highly anticipated final debate between Daniel Noboa and Luisa González is scheduled for March 23, 2025, leading up to the decisive tie-breaking electoral vote on April 13.
In conclusion, Amnesty International has raised urgent human rights concerns that Ecuador’s presidential candidates must address in the lead-up to the pivotal runoff election. The historical context of human rights violations during President Noboa’s administration underscores the necessity for comprehensive policies that uphold human rights standards. As the candidates prepare for the final debate and subsequent vote, their commitments to these issues will be crucial for the future of human rights in Ecuador.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
