Ecuador's President Declares State of Emergency Amid Rising Violence

Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa declared a 60-day state of emergency on January 9, 2024, in response to a significant increase in violent deaths and crimes across seven provinces and one area of another province. This action aims to address the escalating violence that has plagued the nation.

Why this matters: The state of emergency in Ecuador has far-reaching implications for the country's stability and human rights, and its outcome will be closely watched by the international community. The effectiveness of the government's response will determine the future of Ecuador's security and the protection of its citizens' rights.

The emergency measures have led to serious human rights violations by security forces, including at least one apparent extrajudicial killing and multiple cases of arbitrary arrests and ill-treatment, according to Human Rights Watch. The organization has documented these abuses through interviews with victims, relatives, and lawyers, as well as analysis of online posts and court hearings.

The state of emergency was declared following a surge in violence, including the takeover of a state-owned TV channel. The government has labeled 22 criminal groups as 'terrorists.' Despite a decrease in overall killings, extortions and kidnappings have risen, and the security situation remains dire.

Homicides in Ecuador have surged by 574.30% from 2019 to 2023, with a rate of over 47 per 100,000 people, according to the Ecuadorian Observatory on Organized Crime. Two large gangs, Los Choneros and Los Lobos, are allied with Colombian, Mexican, and Albanian drug trafficking organizations, exacerbating the violence.

Juanita Goebertus, Americas director at Human Rights Watch, emphasized the gravity of the situation: *'The escalation of violence—and the increase in organized crime—in Ecuador jeopardize Ecuadorians’ lives and institutions.'* She called for a security policy that protects Ecuadorians' rights while addressing the violence.

The government's response to the violence has been criticized for its heavy-handed approach. *'Instead of announcing a baseless ‘armed conflict,’ the government needs to respond with an effective and rights-respecting security policy that protects Ecuadorians,'* Goebertus added.

As Ecuador grapples with this crisis, the international community is closely monitoring the situation. The challenge lies in balancing the need for security with the protection of human rights, ensuring that measures taken do not further harm the population they aim to protect.

The next 60 days will be crucial for Ecuador as it navigates this state of emergency. The effectiveness of the government's approach and its adherence to human rights standards will be under scrutiny, determining the future stability and safety of the nation.

Key Takeaways

• Ecuador declares 60-day state of emergency due to surge in violent deaths and crimes.
• Human Rights Watch reports human rights violations by security forces, including extrajudicial killing and arbitrary arrests.
• Homicides in Ecuador surge 574.30% from 2019 to 2023, with a rate of over 47 per 100,000 people.
• Two large gangs, Los Choneros and Los Lobos, are allied with international drug trafficking organizations, exacerbating violence.
• Government's response criticized for heavy-handed approach, with calls for a rights-respecting security policy.