The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in South America urged all political and social actors in Ecuador to “urgently initiate a meaningful dialogue in good faith”, which offers a way out of the tensions and violence in the framework of recent protests called by indigenous movements and others. sectors in the country.
“All parties must redouble their efforts to find avenues for dialogue to put an end to the violence”, exhorted the head of the Office in South America, Jan Jarab.
The South American country has been protesting for more than a week led by the indigenous community to demand social and economic reforms from the government of Guillermo Lasso, in the face of an economy hit by inflation and unemployment.
According to press information, at least four people have died and a hundred have been injured in the protests. There are reports of improper forms of use of weapons and less lethal ammunition by State agents, as well as violent actions by protesters.
Jarab made a call to the “prompt and thorough investigation” of these serious events and recalled that law enforcement must respect “the principles of necessity, proportionality, precaution and accountability.”
In particular, the use of tear gas must be exceptional and only if strictly necessary, at a distance from education and health centers. “State agents must act in unrestricted adherence to international human rights standards,” he recalled.
Attacks on defenders and journalists
The Human Rights Office has also received “disturbing” information about attacks and threats against human rights defenders, communicators, medical personnel and health facilities.
“We strongly reject all acts of violence committed by private individuals. At the same time, we urge the authorities to make a proper distinction between peaceful protesters and groups or individuals who resort to violence,” he noted.
Finally, the Representative assured that his Office will continue to monitor the situation, in cooperation with the United Nations System in Ecuador, and reiterated his willingness to support Ecuadorian society in its efforts to respond to the crisis from a human rights approach.
For its part, UNICEF requested that, before the presence of children at the Central University and the Salesian Polytechnic Universitywhere demonstrators were gathered, these spaces are respected and no action is carried out that could endanger them
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