Ecuador - May 2024

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