Human Rights Watch (HRW) has raised alarms about the actions of Ecuadorian security forces in their response to national protests, accusing them of restricting public assembly and often employing disproportionate force. Since September 2025, after President Daniel Noboa's decision to eliminate diesel fuel subsidies, widespread demonstrations have swept across the country, primarily led by the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE) and other Indigenous and labor organizations.

While the government has described most of these protests as peaceful, their response has been anything but. HRW's investigations reveal that police and military personnel have indiscriminately used tear gas, batons, and other "less-lethal" weapons. The misuse of these weapons, often in close quarters and near residential areas, has not only caused numerous injuries but has also led to tragic fatalities.

The severity of the security response includes the detention of hundreds, some of whom have been charged with terrorism or unlawful association. Furthermore, financial measures such as the freezing of bank accounts have targeted Indigenous organizations and environmental groups, adding economic sanctions to physical intimidation.

Juanita Goebertus, Americas director at HRW, highlighted that the protests are deeply rooted in longstanding issues concerning Indigenous rights, public services, and resource management. She urged Ecuadorian authorities to respect the right to peaceful assembly, ensure accountability for any abuses, and curtail the disproportionate use of force.

Ecuador's own legal framework supports the right to peaceful assembly, as stated in Article 66(13) of its Constitution, and reinforced by international mandates like Article 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Despite these protections, the country's history shows a pattern of militarized responses to civil unrest, particularly impacting rural and Indigenous communities. These groups have faced not only violent suppressions but also structural inequities such as limited access to healthcare, essential services, and fair consultation on extractive projects.

The current unrest in Ecuador is a continuation of these challenges, reflecting broader systemic issues that disproportionately affect marginalized groups and underscore the urgent need for reform and genuine dialogue to address these deep-seated grievances. Rights organizations globally continue to monitor the situation closely, calling for an end to the cycles of violence and repression.