The International Land Coalition – Latin America and the Caribbean (ILC LAC) expresses its deep concern over the political and social crisis currently unfolding in Ecuador, marked by abuse of power, the militarization of public life, and the criminalization of social protest.
Update: As of October 28, the deaths of three people have been documented as a result of the violence deployed by law enforcement during the national strike: Efraín Fuerez, Kichwa community member; José Guamán; and Rosa Paqui. These incidents are currently under investigation for alleged excessive use of force in the execution of official duties.
The national strike called by CONAIE and various social movements in rejection of Executive Decree 126, which withdraws the diesel subsidy, is a legitimate expression of citizens’ discontent in response to the regressive policies implemented in recent months. Executive Decree 60, which merges the Ministries of Environment and Energy, thereby weakening environmental institutions and the protection of collective rights; the recent approval of the Organic Law for the Strengthening of Protected Areas, which directly affects the territorial rights of Indigenous Peoples and nature; and the promotion of a popular referendum convened without due process, all reveal a worrying pattern of power concentration and the erosion of the rule of law.
Despite exercising their legitimate right to protest, mobilized communities are facing criminalization and violence.
Human rights organizations have so far documented more than 90 detentions, dozens of injuries, and the death of Efraín Fuerez, a Kichwa community member; in addition to accusations of “terrorism” against social leaders and the closure of community media such as TV MICC.
The UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues has expressed its deep concern over the repression and criminalization of Indigenous protest in Ecuador, underscoring the need to guarantee the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and political participation of Indigenous Peoples.
The State’s repressive actions are part of a militarized security strategy implemented under the so-called Phoenix Plan (Plan Fénix). Amnesty International and other organizations have documented cases of enforced disappearances and serious abuses as a result of this strategy. Likewise, the use of the armed forces is often disguised as “humanitarian assistance” or “internal security operations,” when in reality it constitutes military intervention aimed at controlling Indigenous and peasant territories — particularly in Otavalo canton, Imbabura province, areas with a high concentration of natural resources.
It is alarming that Indigenous Peoples, peasants, and Afro-descendant communities — who ensure the sustainability of agri-food systems, protect water, and defend territories — are the ones now facing disproportionate violence from the State, in contradiction to the progressive principles enshrined in Ecuador’s own Constitution.
ILC LAC reaffirms its commitment to closely monitor the situation and expresses its solidarity with the peoples and communities who, with dignity and resilience, defend life, democracy, and social justice in the face of policies that threaten their existence and their territories.
International Land Coalition – Latin America and the Caribbean (ILC LAC)