Vice-President Verónica Abad was suspended from her post for 150 days by the Ministry of Labour for allegedly abandoning her employment without justification, because she was late to comply a presidential decree ordering her to relocate to Ankara from Israel. Constitutional lawyers have criticized the Labour Ministry’s unprecedented decision given that, as an elected vice-president, she could only be dismissed on these grounds if the Constitutional Court and the National Assembly confirmed the abandonment, or in accordance with other constitutional procedures, such as impeachment. Abad had been in Israel after President Daniel Noboa ordered her to act as Ecuador’s envoy for peace in Israel. Abad expressed her belief that the suspension is intended to prevent her from succeeding as president when Noboa runs for re-election in February 2025, as he is required to resign in order to campaign. She has also accused Noboa of political gender-based violence, and pressure.

Sources: Primicias (1), El Pais, El Economista, Infobae, Voice of America, Swiss Info, Primicias (2)

A year after Ecuadorians voted to end oil drilling in the Yasuní national park, the government has not yet ended its operations. A high court decision had given authorities a one-year period to stop oil exploration and comply with the results of the August 2023 referendum. A group of UN experts has called on the government to respect popular will, amid concern over reports that new drilling was taking place, and the impact that extraction activities have on Indigenous peoples’ lands and livelihoods, and the environment. Environmental activists who, along with Indigenous leaders and groups had pushed for the referendum to take place, have asked the Court to hold an urgent hearing on the matter. President Daniel Noboa’s administration has requested an extension from the high court to allow for a gradual shut-down over a five-year period, as the government relies on revenue from oil to address its pressing security situation. 

Sources: OHCHR, El Comercio, Voz de America, El Pais, International IDEA

Starting 1 June, the government ceased to have a provider of food services for Ecuador’s prison population. Reports of food insecurity faced by persons deprived of their liberty had already highlighted the sudden suspension of meals in some penitentiaries, which are currently under control of the military. However, conditions detiorated when the government and the private contractor providing food services terminated their working relationship. Families have organized donations of food, but they claim it is insufficient, as reports that some people are only given one meal a day have emerged. Prison officials claim that the service provider had links to organized crime and have stated they are hurriedly working on hiring a new provider, but in the meantime claim that all meals are guaranteed through donations from businesses. Families of imprisoned men have staged protests to demand a better treatment of their relatives, denouncing other reports of mistreatment.

Sources: Infobae, Ecuavisa, CNN

The government’s extension of a state of exception in five provinces due to an ‘armed conflict’ was declared unconstitutional by the Constitutional Court on 10 May. An insufficient justification of the existence of an internal armed conflict, lack of territorial demarcation and temporality were among the reasons given by the Court. On 22 May the government decreed a state of exception again in seven provinces, including the five covered by the ruling, but was struck down by the Court on 14 June.

Human rights advocates have criticized the term ‘internal armed conflict’ to characterize gang violence, saying that the legal requirements are not met (such as the degree of organization and intensity of hostilities). They have reported an increase in human rights violations, including in the penitentiary system. The allegations triggered an investigation by the country’s Ombudsperson that found at least 24 deaths of inmates between February and March, some of whom appeared to be victims of violent deaths and torture. Reports of the suspension of meals have furthered the concerns of family members and human rights defenders.

Sources: Prensa Latina, CNN, Vistazo (1), Vistazo (2), Telesur TV