Democracy under pressure in Ecuador, but Luis refuses to remain silent
November 14 2025
3 minutes
The streets of Ecuador In recent weeks, people have been calling for change, led by the indigenous umbrella organization CONAIE. Officially, this is a protest against more expensive fuel, but beneath the surface, a much broader struggle is raging: democracy itself is under severe pressure.
What happens to a society when any form of criticism is seen as hostility? When defending human rights is seen as a threat?
The space for resistance shrinks every day. It's becoming dangerous to simply stand up for humanity. This Sunday's referendum, organized by the government, will be a decisive moment for human rights in Ecuador.
A decisive moment: the referendum of November 16
According to Luis, there are clearly economic and geopolitical interests behind the popular referendum, and it is about much more than what is officially said.
“If the 'yes' vote is passed, the government will gain broader powers over the judiciary, democratic institutions, natural resources, and fundamental ecosystems such as the Amazon and the Galapagos,” he says. One of the questions could lead to a new constitution. This includes acquired rights and the rights of nature are directly at risk.
“It would pave the way for a government apparatus that is prepared to to silence or even eliminate critical voicesHuman rights violations then risk becoming the norm. That's why INREDH is campaigning to wake people up and inform them about the referendum and why it's important to answer "no" to all questions.
The attack in midfield
In addition, organizations that advocate for human rights and environmental rights are being targeted by a new law that hinders their operations. Organizations that engage in activities against mining projects can be suspended for four years. human rights defenders and organizations are being intimidated or prosecutedSome even had their bank accounts frozen for a long time.
“The government wants to protect mining, regardless of the destruction of local and indigenous communities, flora, fauna, and water resources,” says Luis. “Moreover, this is nothing less than a attack on freedom of expression. Everything points to the government wanting to impose authoritarianism – and we, as civil society, are standing in the way.”
Why INREDH continues to stand up against injustice
INREDH – one of the country's oldest and most respected human rights organizations and partner of 11.11.11 – works under increasingly difficult circumstances. Yet Luis believes their work is more important today than ever.
“Despite threats and pressure, we continue to monitor social protests, document rights violations and provide legal and psychological support to victimsOur work played a crucial role during the recent protests by denouncing the government's repressive violence that led to hundreds of injuries and three deaths. Only by denouncing it will the violence stop.
Luis remains unsure about the future hopeful"We cannot allow human rights violations to become the norm. That is the core of our work. The government may shut us down, but the people behind INREDH—myself included—will always continue to seek ways to defend human rights, whether under the name INREDH or through personal initiatives."
"Humanity isn't weakness, it's resistance. And as long as we continue to stand up against injustice, democracy isn't lost."
Support Luis' work with a donation
The fight INREDH is waging today in Ecuador is a fight for all of us. It's a fight for the defense of democracy, for human rights. Support INREDH with a donation to 11.11.11. Support the work of human rights defenders.
