Video still from Ecuador Chequea.
Following an observation visit by human rights organizations including Peace Brigades International, a joint report has been issued that “warns of the rapid deterioration of the human rights and environmental situation in Ecuador.”
The report can be read in full at “Criminalization and Attacks Against Civil Society in the Context of Militarization and Extractivism in Ecuador”.
As noted in this media release: “The report identifies patterns of violent repression against peaceful protests led by Indigenous movements, including criminalization, stigmatization, and the persecutory use of administrative, financial, and legal measures against human rights defenders and civil society organizations.”
It further notes: “The visit documents an alarming rate of violence and attacks against human rights and environmental defenders and civil society organizations [and a lack of] effective measures to prevent these violations and protect defenders.”
Ecuador and Canada
The report states: “Whilst Daniel Noboa’s government projects an image of commercial expansion and strength in multilateral forums, prioritising economic, trade, military and security agreements with other countries (particularly those in the Global North, such as Canada, the United States and countries of the European Union), it has also initially adopted a defensive stance in the face of international scrutiny over human rights, which has subsequently shifted towards outright apathy. This has led to a weakening of the institutional framework needed to address the risks in this area.”
It furthermore notes: “Questions have also been raised regarding the levels of transparency and participation in the negotiation processes for trade agreements signed or promoted by the Ecuadorian State with countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Arab Emirates and China. The organisations consulted by the Mission stated that a large part of the negotiations took place under confidentiality clauses, with limited access to the texts under discussion and few opportunities for participation by indigenous peoples, potentially affected communities and civil society organisations.”
The report then calls on Canada to:
1-Strengthen oversight of compliance with international human rights standards by Canadian companies operating in Ecuador.
2-Encourage Canadian extractive companies to adopt effective mechanisms for due diligence, conflict prevention and the participation of affected communities, ensuring respect for the rights of indigenous peoples and human rights defenders.
3-Encourage companies domiciled in or operating in the Canadian market Canada to implement effective human rights and environmental due diligence processes in relation to their operations, supply chains and investments in Ecuador, in accordance with relevant international human rights standards.
4-Maintain dialogue with civil society organisations and communities affected by projects linked to Canadian companies, as part of Canada’s foreign policy on responsible business conduct.
We continue to follow this.
Further reading:
After PBI-Colombia visits Ecuador with observation mission, human rights complaint filed at the UN against military helicopter attack on farmhouse (PBI-Canada, April 26, 2026)
Despite human rights violations against Indigenous peoples and journalists, CANSEC promotes participation of Ecuadorean military at arms show (PBI-Canada, May 28, 2023).
To read the full report, click here.
