Ecuador: Excessive use of force during demonstrations

In recent days, thousands of people - including indigenous communities, trade unions, and social organisations - have taken to the streets to demand an end to these measures. The protests occur in a context of heavy State repression, with military deployment and excessive use of force, resulting in injuries, fatalities, and instances of arbitrary detention and other human rights violations. The United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues condemned the State's response as excessive, reporting that those detained are being mistreated and their defenders persecuted.

In this context, the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE) and other social organisations called for an indefinite national strike and demonstrations starting on 28 September in response to these measures. During this day, reports emerged of unlawful use of force against demonstrators. The Regional Foundation for Human Rights Advisory Services (INREDH) reported that Efraín Fueres, an indigenous community member, died after being shot in Cotacachi, in Imbabura province, and that another person remains critically injured due to these repressive actions.

Meanwhile, the Alliance of Human Rights Organisations of Ecuador reported more than 109 human rights violations, 48 injuries, nearly 100 arrests, and a massive deployment of State forces in Imbabura province, along with interruptions in mobile phone and internet services in Cotacachi, Otavalo, and La Esperanza.

The United Nations Special Rapporteur on freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, Gina Romero, had called on Ecuadorian authorities to respect international standards regarding peaceful assemblies and meetings prior to the national strike. However, she warned that the actions of the armed forces are contrary to international standards on the right to assembly in response to acts of repression.

It is essential to note that, in this context, the Ecuadorian government has declared a state of emergency in several provinces in response to these demonstrations. This state of emergency restricts certain rights and heightens tensions, thereby increasing the risk of human rights violations.

In light of this situation, OMCT urgently calls on the Ecuadorian State to:

1. Immediately cease the disproportionate use of force and guarantee the right to peaceful protest;
2. Conduct an independent, prompt, and impartial investigation into the death of Efraín Fueres, as well as all allegations of human rights violations, and hold those responsible accountable;
3. Ensure full respect for the rights of those detained during demonstrations, including access to medical care, legal representation, and decent conditions of custody;
4. Review measures taken under the state of emergency to ensure they do not arbitrarily restrict human rights and that they comply with international standards.

The OMCT reiterates its deep concern regarding the serious situation in Ecuador and calls on the State to end repression and ensure that all actions by its security forces fully comply with international standards. It also urges the authorities to create space for inclusive dialogue with social and indigenous movements and to take urgent steps to prevent further human rights violations.