Ecuador - Covenant on Civil and Political Rights Treaty

This report addresses Ecuador’s obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights concerning civic participation, human trafficking, and the rights of marginalised groups. Despite legislative efforts, systemic barriers continue to restrict full political and social engagement.

This report examines key concerns, including (1) Ecuador’s insufficient enforcement of anti-trafficking measures, particularly affecting vulnerable youth and migrants; (2) entrenched racial discrimination against Afro-Ecuadorians, limiting access to education, employment, and political representation; (3) widespread violence and discrimination against LGBTI+ individuals, including workplace and healthcare inequalities; (4) gender-based disparities in employment and pay, preventing economic empowerment for women; and (5) high levels of domestic and gender-based violence, particularly affecting indigenous and Afro-Ecuadorian women and children, compounded by weak institutional support for victims.

This report recommends that Ecuador increase funding for anti-trafficking enforcement, expand civic education initiatives for marginalised communities, implement stronger workplace protections for women, establish safe spaces and legal protections for LGBTI+ individuals, and improve victim support services. Strengthening democratic participation and access to justice is critical to ensuring Ecuador meets its human rights obligations under the ICCPR.