• Ecuador: Decriminalize Defamation
    Nov 14, 2011
    Ecuador should repeal insult laws (desacato) and all norms that criminalize defamation of public officials and institutions
  • Ecuador: A Blow to Free Speech
    Jul 21, 2011
    The conviction of President Rafael Correa’s critics for criminal defamation violates Ecuador’s international human rights obligations and should be overturned on appeal. Ecuador should abolish the defamation provisions in its criminal code.
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Reports

Ecuador

  • Universal Periodic Review of Ecuador
    Nov 21, 2011
    In a referendum held in May 2011, President Rafael Correa obtained a popular mandate to reform the Ecuadorian justice system, a recommendation accepted by Ecuador during the previous UPR cycle. However, the language of the approved reforms could significantly increase the government’s powers to influence the appointment and dismissal of judges.Other serious concerns not addressed by the UPR recommendations of 2008 include the fact that government authorities have undermined free expression by using criminal defamation laws, by arbitrarily forcing TV and radio stations to air presidential speeches, and by failing to adopt regulations to grant official advertisement.
  • Ecuador: Decriminalize Defamation
    Nov 14, 2011
    Ecuador should repeal insult laws (desacato) and all norms that criminalize defamation of public officials and institutions
  • Ecuador: A Blow to Free Speech
    Jul 21, 2011
    The conviction of President Rafael Correa’s critics for criminal defamation violates Ecuador’s international human rights obligations and should be overturned on appeal. Ecuador should abolish the defamation provisions in its criminal code.
  • Ecuador: Don’t Prosecute President’s Critics
    Mar 31, 2011
    President Rafael Correa’s efforts to prosecute his critics for defamation under criminal law is a serious blow to free expression in Ecuador. Ecuador should repeal the defamation provisions in its criminal code.
  • Ecuador: Drop Plan to Control Civil Society
    Dec 17, 2010
    President Rafael Correa should drop a proposed decree that would unjustifiably impose government control over Ecuador’s nongovernmental organizations, Human Rights Watch said today. The powers it would grant would undermine the groups’ independence and compromise their role as a civil society check on government.
  • Ecuador: Modify Proposed Communications Law
    Aug 9, 2010
    Ecuador should amend provisions of the proposed Communications Law to ensure that it meets its obligations to protect and promote free speech.
  • Ecuador: Letter to President of the National Assembly, Fernando Cordero Cueva
    Aug 9, 2010
  • Ecuador: Amend Draft Communications Law
    Dec 15, 2009
    The Ecuadorian National Assembly should amend proposed legislation to regulate communications. The current draft includes provisions that could restrict free expression instead of safeguarding it.
  • Venezuela: Clarify Relationship With Colombian Guerrillas
    Jun 2, 2008
    The Venezuelan government should provide a full accounting of its relationship with Colombian guerrillas responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity, Human Rights Watch said today.
  • UN: Mixed Results for New Review Process
    Apr 18, 2008
    The first session of the new country review mechanism of the UN Human Rights Council was undermined by inconsistencies and the timidity of some governments in reviewing others, Human Rights Watch said today. On April 18, 2008 the council concluded a two-week session in which it examined the records of 16 countries as part of the new Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process.
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