Ecuador - Universal Periodic Review

Session reviewed: 41st session of the Universal Periodic Review
Date reviewed: November 7, 2022

Recommendation

Check against delivery

Canada welcomes the steps taken by Ecuador to revise the Organic Code of the Judiciary to guarantee judicial independence.

Canada recommends that Ecuador:

1. Protect press freedom by preventing defamation and libel suits aimed at silencing public criticism, and protect freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly by reviewing Articles 182, 336, 339, 345, 346, and 365 of the Organic Penal Code to ensure criminal definitions are formulated in an express, precise, detailed and prior manner.
2. Ensure Indigenous Peoples’ right to participate in decision-making in matters that affect them through free, prior, and informed consultations as per Article 57 of the Constitution.
3. Reduce child and adolescent pregnancy and provide sexual and reproductive health services for girls, adolescent girls, and women, namely by providing sex education in schools and communities.

Canada recognizes Ecuador’s recent progress on safe and legal abortion but remains concerned about timely and effective access, including in cases of rape and incest; and about the lack of provision of respectful health and legal services.