Faced with the possibility of change offered by the start of a new presidential term, we invite you to put human rights at the center of your public policies, particularly on issues that we consider pressing for the country

On the eve of the last presidential debate scheduled for March 23 and ahead of the April 13 presidential elections, Amnesty International published today an open letter addressed to the presidential candidates Luisa González and Daniel Noboa (available only in Spanish).

“Faced with the possibility of change offered by the start of a new presidential term, we invite you to put human rights at the center of your public policies, particularly on issues that we consider pressing for the country: public safety, the prison situation, the risks faced by human rights defenders, and the protection of the environment in the face of climate change,” said Ana Piquer, Americas director at Amnesty International.

Faced with the possibility of change offered by the start of a new presidential term, we invite you to put human rights at the center of your public policies, particularly on issues that we consider pressing for the country: public safety, the prison situation, the risks faced by human rights defenders, and the protection of the environment in the face of climate change

-Ana Piquer, Americas director at Amnesty International

“This weekend, thousands of people in Ecuador will pay attention to your public policy proposals and priorities during the presidential debate. From our organization, we hope to hear answers to the following questions: In the face of allegations of forced disappearances and extrajudicial executions in military operations, what will you do to guarantee that your security policies respect human rights? In the face of reports of possible acts of torture committed in prisons, what will you do to address the prison crisis? Given the stigmatization, criminalization, and attacks faced by human rights defenders, will you prioritize the development and implementation of a protection policy? In the context of the hydroelectric crisis and the continued gas flaring, will you change your approach to protecting the environment and mitigating climate change?”

“Amnesty International will be attentive to your proposals and will continue to ensure respect for the human rights of all people in Ecuador, regardless of the outcome of the electoral contest.”

This weekend, thousands of people in Ecuador will pay attention to your public policy proposals and priorities during the presidential debate. Amnesty International will be attentive to your proposals and will continue to ensure respect for the human rights of all people in Ecuador, regardless of the outcome of the electoral contest

-Ana Piquer, Americas director at Amnesty International