Social Issues

In a scene reminiscent of the pre-Rafael Correa presidency, burning tires, rocks, logs and chanting protesters are blocking the Panamerican Highway between Ibarra and Carchi, just south of the Colombian border. Residents of Ecuador’s northern Chota Valley are protesting the death of Milton Chalá, who died last week in prolice custody. Chalá was charged with...

After sending mixed signals on the issue, President Rafael Correa says the country is ready to grant full rights to same-sex couples. Beginning September 15, same-sex couples will receive the same benefits that their married heterosexual counterparts already enjoy. “If someone is still turned away by a government employee, that employee will be dismissed for...

By Andrew Diaz In 2008 Ecuador officially recognized the human right to water, joining only nine other countries that have done the same since 1994. Section One, Article 12 of the Ecuadorian Constitution states, “The human right to water is essential and cannot be waived. Water constitutes a national strategic asset for use by the...

Ecuador’s ruling party, Alianza Pais, is pushing ahead with proposed constitutional changes that would allow indefinite re-election of President Rafael Correa and other officials. The controversial changes would also lower the eligibility age to hold the presidency and make communication a public service in addition to a right. Gabriela Rivadeneira, president of the National Assembly,...

Ecuador is home to 70,000 political refugees, far more than any country in Latin America. The refugees, almost all of them victims of the Colombian civil war, cost the government $60 million a year. Ecuador Foreign Minister Ricardo Patino hosted a meeting last week of Latin American officials entitled “Andean Subregional Refugee Consultation: International Protection,...

U.S. scientists took thousands of unauthorized blood samples from an indigenous group known for a unique genetic profile and disease immunity, some of which have been sold, Ecuador says. There were some "3,500 procedures" in which blood was drawn without authorization from 600 Huaorani, who live in a corner of Ecuador's isolated Amazon basin region,...

Ecuador’s Interior Minister José Serrano and Director of Tourism Vinicio Alvarado announced on Wednesday that rules regulating the sale of alcoholic beverages on Sundays will be relaxed. Restaurants, cafes, fast food outlets and lodging establishments can now serve liquor until 10 p.m. on Sunday, while social clubs and banquet facilities can serve between 10 a.m....