Human Rights Committee

Concluding observations on the sixth periodic report of Ecuador *

1.The Committee considered the sixth periodic report of Ecuador (CCPR/C/ECU/6) at its 3277th and 3278th meetings (CCPR/C/SR.3277 and 3278), held on 27 and 28 June 2016. At its 3294th meeting, held on 11 July 2016, it adopted the present concluding observations.

A.Introduction

2.The Committee is grateful to the State party for having accepted the simplified procedure and for submitting its sixth periodic report in response to the lists of issues prior to reporting in accordance with that procedure (CCPR/C/ECU/QPR/6). The Committee appreciates the opportunity to resume its constructive dialogue with the high-level delegation of the State party on the measures adopted during the reporting period to implement the provisions of the Covenant. The Committee thanks the State party for the oral replies provided by the delegation and the additional information provided in writing.

B.Positive aspects

3.The Committee welcomes the following legislative and institutional measures taken by the State party:

(a)Adoption of the Comprehensive Organic Criminal Code in 2014;

(b)Adoption of the Organic Act on National Equality Councils in 2014;

(c)Adoption, in 2013, of the Act for the Reparation of Victims and the Prosecution of Grave Human Rights Violations and Crimes against Humanity That Occurred in Ecuador between 4 October 1983 and 31 December 2008;

(d)Adoption of the National Plan for Good Living 2013-2017;

(e)Adoption of the Organic Act on Disabilities in 2012;

(f)Adoption of the Organic Act on Intercultural Education in 2011;

(g)Adoption of the Comprehensive National Plan for the eradication of sexual offences in the education system in 2011;

(h)Adoption of the Plurinational Plan for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and Ethnic and Cultural Exclusion in 2009.

4.The Committee welcomes the ratification by the State party of the following international instruments:

(a)The Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, on 20 July 2010;

(b)The Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, on 11 June 2010;

(c)The International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, on 20 October 2009.

C.Principal matters of concern and recommendations

Implementation of the Committee’s Views under the Optional Protocol to the Covenant

5.The Committee regrets not having received updated information on the specific measures taken to implement its Views relating to communication No. 277/1988 (Terán Jijón v. Ecuador) and communication No. 319/1988 (Cañón García v. Ecuador), in which the Committee established the responsibility of the State party (art. 2).

6. The State party should adopt the measures required for effective follow-up and full implementation of the Committee’s Views establishing the responsibility of the State party, which have still not been implemented, with a view to ensuring access to an effective remedy in the event of a violation of the Covenant, in accordance with article 2 (3).

Equal rights between men and women

7.The Committee notes with satisfaction the measures adopted by the State party on gender equality and the progress made with regard to labour issues, including the fall in women’s unemployment and underemployment rates. It is, however, concerned at the information that women continue to be more affected by unemployment than men and that the wage gap persists, even though it has become significantly smaller. The Committee also we