The Network of Intellectuals and Artists in Defense of Humanity expressed on Saturday its support for the right to resistance in Ecuador. | Photo: Twitter @evoespueblo

Quito, June 26 (RHC)-- The Network of Intellectuals and Artists in Defense of Humanity expressed over the weekend its support to the right to resistance in Ecuador.

The International Mission of Solidarity and Human Rights arrived in Ecuador to observe what is happening in the national strike.

The Special Rapporteurs on the rights of indigenous peoples and the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association of the United Nations expressed their concern about the situation in Ecuador.

In a statement, they expressed their concern for the irregular detentions in the context of social protests, of more than 80 people, including the president of Conaie, Leonidas Iza; the excessive use of force and acts of violence by police and military forces.

The special rapporteurs have asked the State to inform how it is guaranteeing due process in the deprivations of liberty carried out in the context of the national strike that began on June 13, 2022.   They have also asked to explain the legal basis that regulates the use of force by the Police and Armed Forces, and to justify its application in Indigenous Peoples' territories.

"The Ecuadorian State has the obligation to report on the measures adopted to identify and investigate aggressions against demonstrators, as well as the measures adopted to sanction those responsible", refers the communiqué released by the Pachamama Foundation.

On the other hand, the International Mission of Solidarity and Human Rights arrived in Ecuador to observe what is happening in the national strike.  "We ask the government of Guillermo Lasso to respect the peace zones and we hope to be able to carry out our work with all the guarantees," said Juan Grabois.

María Elena Navarro, member of the International Mission of Solidarity and Human Rights, pointed out that among the serious facts they identified, is the one restricting the right to social protest. She also indicated that the Casa de la Cultura was used as a barracks.

The International Mission confirmed the murder of five people, missing children and hundreds of detainees, "victims of State policy" which, instead of contributing to dialogue, is showing a repressive policy towards "defenseless citizens".

Vivian Idrovo, coordinator of the Human Rights Alliance, formed by 15 organizations, expressed in a press conference: "What we lived through seems like dictatorship, excessive use of force and the way in which they were received. These violations have no statute of limitations. The State has already violated rights, it has been evident".

The Network of Intellectuals and Artists in Defense of Humanity also expressed on Saturday its support to the right to resistance in Ecuador, where popular sectors are protesting against economic measures of the Government of Guillermo Lasso.