Summary

The Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression visited Ecuador from 5 to 11 October 2018, in coordination with the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, who visited the country from 20 to 24 August 2018. The purpose of the visits, which were undertaken at the invitation of the Government, was to engage in a dialogue and offer recommendations to the Government and other stakeholders in a moment of transition in the country. The priorities that the Special Rapporteurs believe are essential to reinforcing the State’s movement towards building a future that protects and promotes freedom of expression are identified in the report. The Special Rapporteurs welcome the Government’s first steps to bring the legal, policy and institutional frameworks of Ecuador into line with international standards on freedom of expression. The mandate holders remain committed to working with the Government and the people of Ecuador in their efforts to meet the State’s obligations under international human rights law.