PRESS RELEASE

N° 15/02

IACHR CONCERNED OVER SITUATION IN ECUADOR

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) is deeply concerned over the situation in Ecuador, where in the past few days events have occurred such as street protests, the declaration and suspension of a state of emergency, and the dissolution of the Supreme Court of Justice.

The Commission recalls that the state of Ecuador is duty-bound to maintain public order within the context of respect for the human rights enshrined in national and international instruments.

The Commission urgently appeals for the preservation of constitutional order, democracy, and the rule of law, under the terms of the American Convention on Human Rights and the Inter-American Democratic Charter.

Washington, D.C., April 19, 2005