Ecuador - June 2024
Prison population faces food insecurity
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.
