Update of Response to Information Request ECU13379, on abuses committed against indigenous peoples [ECU16754.E]

Attached are a number of articles focusing on the situation of indigenous people in Ecuador. An Andean Newsletter report claims that the head of the Ecuadoran delegation to the World Human Rights Conference, held in Vienna in June 1993, stated that Ecuador recognizes the right of indigenous people to their land and culture (June 1993, 4).

Some articles point to the indigenous communities' increasing organization, influence and ability to demand a greater voice in Ecuador's political, social and economic systems (Inter Press Service 20 Dec. 1993; Latinamerica Press 1 Apr. 1993, 3; Latin American Weekly Report 8 July 1993, 310).

A number of the articles highlight strikes in which indigenous peoples either particiapted or organized in 1993 (Efe 13 Jan. 1993; Latin American Weekly Report 17 June 1993, 275; ibid. 10 June 1993, 256). The Confederation of Indigenous Nations of Ecuador (CONAIE), which represents Ecuador's nine ethnic groups (Inter Press Service 20 Dec. 1993), has been a player in many of these strikes. CONAIE has also taken a role in asserting the claims of the indigenous people of Ecuador to land and resources (Efe 24 Jan. 1994; Voz de los Andes 24 Jan. 1994). Individual groups such as the Cof n, Secoya and others have also been involved in land and resource (especially oil) claims (Latin American Weekly Report 18 Nov. 1993, 539; The Christian Science Monitor 16 July 1993).

Some articles express concern for the safety of some indigenous leaders, who have reportedly been threatened (Amnesty International 23 Nov. 1993) beaten and jailed (Hemisphere Summer/Fall 1993, 17).

This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

References

Amnesty International 23 November 1993. Urgent Action. (AI Index AMR 28/11/93). London: Amnesty International.

Andean Newsletter [Lima]. June 1993. No. 79. "Vienna: NGOs, High Commissions and Indigenous People."

The Christian Science Monitor [Boston]. 16 June 1993. David Holmstrom. "Ecuador Indians Fight for Forests."

Efe [Madrid, in Spanish]. 24 January 1994. "Indigenous People Seize Energy Ministry, Threaten Oil Wells." (FBIS-LAT-94-016 25 Jan. 1994, p. 41)

. 13 January 1993. "Indians, Public Employees Stage Protest March." (FBIS-LAT-93-009 14 Jan. 1993, pp. 25-26)

Hemisphere. Summer/Fall 1993. Vol. 5, No. 3. Donna Lee Van Cott. "Ecuador: Is Modernization Enough?"

Inter Press Service. 20 December 1993. "Ecuador-Population: Ethnic Groups Seek Political Participation." (NEXIS)

Latin American Weekly Report [London]. 18 November 1993. "Amazon Indians Take on Big Firms."

. 8 July 1993. "Indian Demands Break New Ground."

. 17 June 1993. "Strike Fails to Shake Dur n's Resolve."

. 10 June 1993. "Government Defies 'Indefinite' Strike."

Latinamerica Press [London]. 1 April 1993. "Ecuadoran Indians Are Making Themselves Heard."

Voz de los Andes [Quito, in Spanish]. 24 January 1994. "Further on Oil-Bidding Process." (FBIS-LAT-94-016 25 Jan. 1994, p. 41)

Attachments

Agence France Presse (AFP). 8 February 1994. "Indians, Students Demonstrate." (FBIS-LAT-94-027 9 Feb. 1994, pp. 29-30)

Amnesty International 23 November 1993. Urgent Action. (AI Index AMR 28/11/93). London: Amnesty International.

Andean Newsletter [Lima]. June 1993. No. 79. "Vienna: NGOs, High Commissions and Indigenous People", pp. 4-5.

The Christian Science Monitor [Boston]. 16 June 1993. David Holmstrom. "Ecuador Indians Fight for Forests."

Efe [Madrid, in Spanish]. 24 Jan. 1994. "Indigenous People Seize Energy Ministry, Threaten Oil Wells." (FBIS-LAT-94-016 25 Jan. 1994, p. 41)

. 13 January 1993. "Indians, Public Employees Stage Protest March." (FBIS-LAT-93-009 14 Jan. 1993, pp. 25-26)

Hemisphere. Summer/Fall 1993. Vol. 5, No. 3. Donna Lee van Cott. "Ecuador: Is Modernization Enough?" pp. 16-17.

Inter Press Service. 20 December 1993. "Ecuador-Population: Ethnic Groups Seek Political Participation." (NEXIS)

Latin American Weekly Report [London]. 18 November 1993. "Amazon Indians Take on Big Firms", p.539.

. 8 July 1993. "Indian Demands Break New Ground", p. 310.

. 17 June 1993. "Strike Fails to Shake Dur n's Resolve", p. 275.

. 10 June 1993. "Government Defies 'Indefinite' Strike", p. 256.

Latinamerica Press [London]. 1 April 1993. "Ecuadoran Indians Are Making Themselves Heard", p. 3.

Voz de los Andes [Quito, in Spanish]. 7 February 1994. "Indians Announce Peaceful Protests for 8, 9 Feb" (FBIS-LAT-94-027 9 Feb. 1994, p. 29)

. 25 January 1994. "Government, Indians Reach Agreement; Clashes Reported." (FBIS-LAT-94-017 26 Jan. 1994, pp. 29-30)

. 24 January 1994. "Further on Oil-Bidding Process." (FBIS-LAT-94-016 25 Jan. 1994, p. 41)