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The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) condemns the serious acts of violence recorded in the context of the general elections in Ecuador, which constitute an attack on
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) condemns the serious acts of violence recorded in the context of the general elections in Ecuador, which constitute an attack on democracy itself and the rule of law.
On August 9, Fernando Villavicencio, a journalist and presidential candidate, was assassinated at the end of an election campaign in Quito after receiving threats in previous weeks. National Assembly candidate Gisella Molina and eight people who attended a political rally were also injured in the attack.
The incident exacerbates the violence that took place in July, when Manta Mayor AgustÃn Intriago and National Assembly candidate Rinder Sanchez were killed. Similarly, there was an armed attack on the mayor of Durán, Luis Chonillo; threats against municipal employees of this city and representatives of the National Electoral Council.
The increase in political violence in Ecuador is part of the context of a serious deterioration in the security of citizens associated with the activities of organized crime. Security indicators reflect that the country recorded at least 3,513 homicides in the first half of this year, up 58% from the same period in 2022.
The situation worsens in cities with a large presence of these groups, which affects the rights of the population as a whole; and especially among journalists and bailiffs.
Although generalized violence is a multi-causal phenomenon, IACHR observed how the most serious outbreaks initially occurred in the penitentiary system as a result of clashes between various criminal gangs. According to the information received, at least 547 people died as a result of intra-prison violence from January 1, 2020 to July 27, 2023.
In this regard, it is emphasized that politically motivated violence not only entails the violation of various human rights, but also violates the principles underlying the rule of law and directly violates the democratic regime. In addition, it has an intimidating and intimidating effect on people participating in electoral processes and on society as a whole.
The commission rejects violence and calls on the state to thoroughly investigate, prosecute and punish all facts, opening lines of inquiry aimed at establishing the motives for the murders, as well as their perpetrators and customers.
The state is obliged to take effective measures to ensure the necessary conditions for the exercise of political rights, including the prevention of encroachments on a person’s life in connection with his political activities, taking into account gender and ethno-racial origin.
In addition, the authorities and society as a whole are called upon to guarantee peaceful elections and respect their results as the highest expression of popular sovereignty, with strict respect for representative democracy and human rights.
Finally, the IACHR encourages the Organization of American States to continue to focus on holding fair and peaceful elections in Ecuador in accordance with the Inter-American Democratic Charter.
The IACHR is the principal and autonomous body of the Organization of American States (OAS), whose powers derive from the OAS Charter and the American Convention on Human Rights. The Inter-American Commission is mandated to promote the observance and protection of human rights in the region and acts as an advisory body to the OAS on this matter.
The IACHR is composed of seven independent members who are elected by the OAS General Assembly in their personal capacity and do not represent their countries of origin or residence.
Source: Aristegui Noticias
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