Ecuador to better protect isolated peoples

They live deep in the Ecuadorian rainforest, do not want contact with the outside world and even their existence is a mystery to many. Yet they are now protected by an international judge. The Inter-American Court of Human Rights has Ecuador convicted because the country violated the rights of the Tagaeri and Taromenane – two indigenous communities living in voluntary isolation in the Amazon. 11.11.11-partner Acción Ecológica has been supporting their fight for years. With success!

“Rarely have groups that do not have a megaphone in world politics received such a powerful signal of justice,” says Jana Van Braeckel, Latin America expert at 11.11.11“Our partners have been warning for years about the devastating impacts of oil exploration and illegal logging on their lands. This ruling not only confirms that Ecuador has failed to meet its obligations, but also sheds light on years of impunity following violent attacks on these communities.” 

According to the Court, Ecuador has violated its duty to protect these communities. The country allowed economic activities such as oil drilling in parts of the Yasuni National Park that are vital to these peoples – despite international warnings. Ironically, Ecuador itself had previously established a protected zone around their territory, but that legal protection was systematically undermined.

The consequences were disastrous. In the past decades, several members of the Tagaeri and Taromenane have been killed in violent attacks. at least three massacres – in 2003, 2006 and 2013 – entire families were massacred, including children.

“It is a historic victory after a struggle of almost 20 years,” said human rights lawyer Esperanza Martínez, one of the driving forces behind the case. Together with her environmental organization and 11.11.11-partner Ecological Action she fights against oil exploitation in the Amazon rainforest and for the protection of indigenous peoples.  

“It shows that even the most vulnerable groups have the right to protection. The ruling guarantees that peoples in isolation have the right to their territory. This way they can living without the threat of oil drilling, mining and other dangers. " 

The Ecuadorian government must now take measures to better protect the communities' habitatBut the ruling goes further than that: the Court also mandates structural policy reforms, such as clear consultation procedures, better monitoring and sanctions for those who still seek contact with these communities.

“The impact of this case goes beyond national borders. It is the first time that an international court has ruled so explicitly on the rights of uncontacted communities. And that makes this victory bigger than Ecuador alone.”

"Across Latin America, economic interests are clashing with the rights of indigenous communities. This ruling is a powerful precedent – ​​not only for the protection of human rights, but also for the protection of the Amazon rainforest itself,” concludes Jana Van Braeckel, Latin America Coordinator at 11.11.11.