Ecuador criticized for freedom of expression at the UN

The Ecuadorian delegation left satisfied their presentation and the recommendations given by 75 countries evaluated the fulfillment of human rights in the second Universal Periodic Review (UPR) was applied to the country in the Human Rights Council of the United Nations Organization (UN).

Most of the comments made by Latin American and African applaud focused on social programs, especially those aimed at people with disabilities, but the Europeans, the United States and Canada questioned the restrictions on freedom of speech, press and opinion, the attempts to control NGOs, the criminalization of social protest, the slow changes in the restructuring of justice and lack of aggressive policies to favor sensitive sectors and indigenous children.

The Ecuadorian delegation, composed of the Vice President Lenin Moreno, Foreign Minister Ricardo Patiño, the Justice Minister Johanna Pesántez, Secretary of Planning, Fander Falconi and Communications Secretary Fernando Alvarado, took 25 minutes to present the report on the fulfillment of human rights on the basis of ten recommendations made by the UN in 2008.

"The Government of the Citizen Revolution eliminated outsourcing, in 2011 has generated employment, the percentage of workers affiliated to the Social Security grew 42% in 2008 to 59.7% in 2011, investment in education is the 5.5% at the end of 2011, the rate of youth enrolled grew by 3.3% between 2008 and 2011 ... "said Moreno before an audience of 193 delegates from around the world and members of the Council.

Then the 75 countries of the 193-member, who asked to evaluate Ecuador, made their observations.


The first wake-up call came from the representative of Belgium, a country where it originates the wife of President Rafael Correa and where he earned an MA in economics. "We have reports of abuses of freedom of expression, the misuse of criminal law, persecution of journalists (...), we expect compliance with the international law in this area and the SRP acceptance of free expression."

Canada called for the elimination of the concept of contempt of the Criminal Code. Estonia showed their "alarm" for media censorship. And urged Latvia to invite the rapporteurs of free speech to Ecuador.

In that line followed Costa Rica, Norway, Slovakia, Germany, France, Sweden and Switzerland. These last two reminded the Government of its obligation to respect freedom of speech and press because his disrespect "encourages climate of censorship" concluded the delegate of the host country.

These two countries accounted for a review that predicted Spain: its concern at attempts to control and suspension of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working in Ecuador and directly asked not apply the 982 and 812 executive orders that limit the work of these organizations are funded by external resources.

Decree 982, which was signed in March 2008, seeks to integrate into a single database for all NGOs and civil society organizations in order to regulate their activities and accredit.

Decree 812, issued on July 5, 2011, ordered that foreign NGOs signed a new framework agreement on existing constitutional provisions and following the guidelines of the National Plan for Good Living. And found that there may be different or incompatible activities with which you have been identified or that threaten security and public peace.

Britain followed with questions and called on the Government to "hold a constructive dialogue with the media to promote freedom of expression". But the U.S. delegate, in turn followed, was concerned about "attacks on journalists and prosecutions instituted against him, disparaging criticism (referring to the case of El Universo and the authors of Big Brother) "what discredits Ecuadorian law."

For the U.S., in Ecuador there is no independence of the justice system and there is a clear improvement in the restructuring process undertaken by the Government through the Transitional Judicial Council (TYC).

Then the Chancellor intervened Patiño, who focused his response to the United States, repeating a speech known in the country:

"In Ecuador fully respects human rights and that you just need to visit us to see, but in Ecuador also respects the right to the honor that is enshrined in the Constitution and the American Convention on Human Rights that it has signed and Ecuador it has ratified, while other African countries have not. Our country is one of peace and not of war. Ecuador does not invade countries. "

Australia and Austria followed the criticism in that respect Ecuador Tell reporters.

The dynamics are timed so fulfilled and after three hours ended with a thank Vice President Moreno, who in the full UN highlighted the congratulations received, but after a brief conversation with the press played down criticism of countries that recommended changes in government policy regarding the media.

For the second president criticized countries because they are "close neighbors" and supposedly not know the reality of Ecuador.

Observations

Childhood

There was surprise in the Ecuadorian delegation received critical social programs focused on children. For the government, this sector has been one of the beneficiaries of its policies.

Indigenous

Protecting the rights of the indigenous was request a dozen countries that insisted the Government evaluators greater protection and respect.

Exhibitions

Lenin Moreno
VICE
"We still have many challenges ahead in building a state with full rights."

Ricardo Patiño
CHANCELLOR
'In Ecuador fully respects human rights and invite you that you visit us to check'.

Postures

CHILE

He emphasized the reduction of poverty in Ecuador and efforts to protect women and people with disabilities.

SLOVENIA

Recommends promote, protect and respect the right to freedom of expression of human rights activists and journalists.

CONGO

Ecuador congratulated by implementing the recommendations of the Universal Periodic Review.

AUSTRIA

He referred to the laws that guarantee freedom of the press and provide security to journalists. Asked adapt to international standards.

GERMANY

Recommended establishing prior consultation with indigenous peoples on issues of interest. Trials mentioned leaders.

CUBA

Recommended expanding programs that ensure access to health. Emphasized social support and efforts to reduce poverty.

MALAYSIA

It recommended strengthening mechanisms for consultation with indigenous peoples. And guarantee real reform in the judiciary.

IRAN

He highlighted the work of Ecuador regarding public debt and improving quality of life. It recommended that these improvements also go to the rural sector.

FINLAND

He acknowledged the steps to protect the rights of children in Ecuador and asked to take measures to have access to vital records.

AUSTRALIA

Ecuador held the job for refugees. And recommended that protect freedom of expression and the work of journalists.

BELGIUM

Recommended to Ecuador to repeal criminal laws that criminalize the expression of citizens. He hoped Ecuador invite the IACHR Rapporteur.

CANADA

He noted that judicial independence is key to ensuring the rights of citizens. Recommended eliminating rules that criminalize speech.

KOREA

Ecuador welcomed initiative to implement human rights programs in the National Police. He noted social aid work.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Ecuador congratulated for its initiative to promote child development program. He highlighted efforts to reduce poverty.

EGYPT

Recommended reforming national laws to conform to international standards of human rights.

Mariela Cevallos, Special Envoy Geneva

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 Original:  http://www.eluniverso.com/2012/05/22/1/1355/ecuador-recibio-criticas-libertad-expresion-onu.html

Martes 22 de mayo del 2012