National Safety Mechanisms - Ecuador
National Safety Context
According to the Observatory of Killed Journalists there have been 6 killings in Ecuador since 1993. None of these crimes have been judicially resolved according to the latest Director-General's Report on the Safety of Journalists and the Danger of Impunity. Ecuador responded to the Director-General's request for information on the judicial status of the cases of these killed journalists in 2009 and every year since 2015.
There is 1 national safety mechanism being implemented in Ecuador to prevent and protect crimes committed against journalists. More information on this initiative is summarised below including relevant links.
Mechanism for the Prevention and Protection of Journalistic Work
The Mechanism for the Prevention and Protection of Journalistic Work (Mecanismo de Prevencion y Proteccion del Trabajo Periodistico) was established in August 2023 and is active since 2024.
What activities are carried out?
The Mechanism aims to implement measures in both prevention and protection fields to ensure the safety of journalistic work.
Regarding preventative measures, the Mechanism evaluates of the risks faced by journalists, with a mapping of attacks and diagnostic instruments to analyse and identify potential risk factors due to specific contexts. The Mechanism also engages in awareness campaigns and public condemnations of attacks on media workers. The Mechanism conducts situational studies analysing threats and risks to journalists, in order to support policy design. Preventative safety trainings are also provided to journalists.
The Mechanism has provisions in place for establishing a communication channel between security forces and the victims of attacks.
The Mechanism implements measures with a gender dimension, taking into account specific risks faced by women journalists. The Mechanism receives recommendations from civil society specialized on women’s rights.
How is it implemented? / Who are the stakeholders
The Council for the Development and Promotion of Information and Communication is the main implementing authority, however, other government agencies and departments are involved, including the Ministries of Defense, of the Interior, of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility, and of Women and Human Rights.
For more specific information on the national safety mechanism in Ecuador and those in other countries please follow the link.
