Statement on the situation in Ecuador eleven days after the national strike

The members of the CLACSO Working Groups We, the undersigned, declare:

The eleventh day of the national strike against the neoliberal, austerity, and hunger policies implemented by Guillermo Lasso's government since its inception has now passed. This national strike is being led by diverse social organizations in Ecuador (the Indigenous movement represented by organizations such as CONAIE, ECUARUNARI, CONFENIAE, FEINE, and FENOCIN), secondary and university students, teachers, unions, student, women's, and feminist movements, informal workers, artists, and countless other social actors standing up for a dignified life. Given this situation, the undersigned vehemently demand:

1. Stop the repression, criminalization, and judicial persecution of those who are legitimately and peacefully exercising their right to protest. As of June 20, according to the Alliance of Human Rights Organizations, more than 80 illegal detentions, more than 60 people injured, and two deaths due to repression had been recorded. In addition, on June 14, Leonidas Iza, the top leader of CONAIE, was kidnapped and disappeared for 24 hours, with no regard for the law or due process. The Lasso government is thus employing practices reminiscent of the horrific 1970s in the region, characterized by military dictatorships.
2. End of the state of exception: annulment of decree No. 459 that extends the restriction of citizens' rights to six provinces of Ecuador.  
3. End the militarization and occupation by the police of public spaces such as the Ecuadorian House of Culture and universities that have historically served as humanitarian centers. It is crucial that mobilized organizations and actors find open spaces to discuss and reflect in assembly on the best ways to address the social conflict provoked by the government itself. The repressive actions and recurring violations of democratic institutions by President Guillermo Lasso's government are exacerbating the protests. We view the human rights violations with deep concern and appeal to international human rights organizations for urgent intervention.
4. To put an end to racist and classist expressions made by the hegemonic media, incited by the national government, which spread hate speech against indigenous, peasant populations and representatives of other mobilized groups.
5. Opening a genuine dialogue between the national government and the various social organizations demanding their just rights. This dialogue cannot take place amidst the repressive and persecutory context currently affecting mobilized society and must aim to fulfill the ten demands established by the convening organizations.
6. Opening of study centers, universities, hospitals and churches in the city for the care, attention and containment of the mobilized people.

June 23th, 2022

CLACSO Working Groups

Lex Mercatoria human rights and democracy

Legal critique and sociopolitical conflicts

The following adhere CLACSO Working Groups 

Anti-patriarchal struggles, families, genders, diversities and citizenships

Crisis and the global economy

Business elites, the State, and domination 

This statement expresses the position of the aforementioned Working Groups and not necessarily that of the centers and institutions that make up the CLACSO international network, its Steering Committee or its Executive Secretariat.