Families of forced disappearance victims rallied in Quito, demanding justice for human rights violations, including the murder of four minors in Guayaquil and the Restrepo brothers’ 37-year-old case.

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This Friday, relatives of victims of forced disappearances, alongside various civil organizations, held a protest at Quito’s Plaza Grande, outside the Carondelet Palace (seat of Ecuador’s government), to demand justice and highlight emblematic cases of human rights violations in the country.

The demonstration focused on denouncing the 2024 murder of four minors in Guayaquil—a case shrouded in controversy due to military involvement in the youths’ detention.

Among the cases highlighted was that of the Restrepo brothers, who disappeared 37 years ago after being detained by police forces. Their story symbolizes the ongoing struggle of families seeking answers and justice for their loved ones.

Fernando Bastias, a lawyer with the Permanent Committee for Human Rights (CDH), confirmed over 40 documented cases of forced disappearances in Ecuador, including 33 monitored by the CDH and nine reported by the Ombudsman’s Office.

Protesters called on President Daniel Noboa’s government to take responsibility and provide clear answers to these alarming allegations. They urged authorities to cooperate with relevant bodies, ensure transparent investigations, and punish those responsible.

The protest unfolded amid Ecuador’s escalating militarization following Noboa’s January 2024 declaration of an “internal armed conflict” to combat organized crime.

However, human rights groups warn this policy has enabled abuses—including arbitrary arrests and forced disappearances—particularly in Guayas, Los Ríos, and Esmeraldas provinces, where military operations lack judicial oversight.

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