Human rights defenders lacked appropriate protection mechanisms to safeguard their lives and physical safety. The authorities failed to ensure effective investigations into threats and attacks against human rights defenders, particularly those working to defend Indigenous Peoples’ rights, their...

On 14 June around 0:29 a.m., security forces detained Leónidas Iza, president of the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador, in the province of Cotopaxi. He was held incommunicado and criminally charged with “blockage of public services”, before being released that night. His...

In August, the Ecuador government published a national protocol to respond to COVID-19 among Indigenous Peoples. Indigenous and human rights organizations in the Amazon said this protocol was not adequately consulted and does not reflect their demands. They also said they have been excluded from...

On 1 July, the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of the Ecuadorian Amazon (CONFENIAE) reported 1,215 confirmed (45% of 2,673 people tested) and 622 suspected cases of COVID-19 in Indigenous Amazonian communities. They face a higher risk situation due to scarcity of drinking water, food...

The life and personal integrity of Ombudsman Freddy Carrión and his family are at risk. He recently received repeated death threats, including a bomb threat at his family’s home on 13 February. Even though he publicly denounced this situation, the Ecuadorian government has failed to protect him and...

Environmental defender Margoth Escobar could be at risk after her home was intentionally set on fire in Puyo, in the Ecuadorian Amazon, on 29 September. This is the fourth attack this year against members of the Amazon Women collective who defend the land, the territory and the environment in the...

Indigenous defender Patricia Gualinga is no longer considered under imminent threat. No new security incidents or threats against her have occurred since the 5 January attack at her home. She has since reported receiving protection measures.

Patricia Gualinga, Indigenous human rights defender, reported that on 5 January an unknown man attacked her home in Puyo, Pastaza province, throwing stones at the windows while yelling death threats against her.

Manuel Trujillo and Manuela Pacheco, community leaders in San Pablo de Amalí, central Ecuador, have been acquitted of the unsubstantiated charges of organized terrorism.

Manuel Trujillo and Manuela Pacheco, community leaders in San Pablo de Amalí, central Ecuador, are facing unsubstantiated charges of organized terrorism. These criminal proceedings appear to be an attempt to silence their campaigning to demand their community’s right to consultation on the...

Twenty-one people among those detained during anti-government protests in Quito, the capital of Ecuador, have been sentenced following concerns of violations of their right to a fair trial. Amnesty International received reports during the protests of excessive use of force and clashes between the...

Ecuadorian authorities have abandoned their plans to shut down freedom of expression organization Fundamedios. This is a welcome move which will allow Fundamedios to continue carrying out their legitimate human rights work.

Ecuadorian organization Fundamedios is at risk of being closed down by the authorities. This appears to be an attempt to restrict freedom of association and expression in Ecuador and interfere with the legitimate work of Human rights Defenders and NGOs. Other organizations are at risk of being...