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Operational context
In January 2025, Ecuador’s political landscape was dominated by preparations for the general elections scheduled for February 9, amid issues related to insecurity, public services, and a stagnated economic growth. Notably, several candidates emphasized the importance of combatting crime, of regularizing individuals in human mobility, highlighting the need for an inclusive system that safeguards human rights and promotes labour integration.
Amidst this political backdrop, Ecuador continues to host for a substantial number of displaced people, hosting nearly 500,000 refugees, asylum seekers, and others in need of international protection. This includes one of the largest recognized refugee populations in Latin America, primarily comprising people who have fled violence in neighbouring Colombia.
Between 2023 and 2024, the country experienced an influx of approximately 1,000 refugees and migrants daily from Venezuela, alongside Colombian asylum seekers. In 2024, in particular, Ecuador registered the largest number of Colombian asylum seekers on record in the past 10 years, with claims continuing to be lodged in January, generally consistent with the previous years. With deteriorating conditions in several parts of that country, UNHCR expects this number to grow in 2025, with asylum seekers arriving with dire humanitarian and protection needs.
These mixed movements often involve individuals vulnerable to sexual abuse, trafficking, and with limited access to essential services such as food, healthcare, and shelter, and take place amid increasing violence in the country. Notably, according to Government data, this first month recorded the highest number of violent deaths than in other years.
In response to these challenges, UNHCR’s 2025 strategy in Ecuador focuses on saving lives by consolidating protection space through enhanced asylum capacities and bolstered government responses to specific protection needs. This includes supporting the implementation of regularization processes for people in irregular situations, predominantly Venezuelans who continue to face barriers in accessing the most basic services. Moreover, UNHCR continues to stay and deliver life-saving humanitarian assistance, offering basic aid to new arrivals and individuals with specific needs, primarily through direct cash assistance, in collaboration with partners. To ensure displaced people can stabilize their situation and rebuild their lives, UNHCR implements an area based strategy that ensures people access services and opportunities where they are. This includes facilitating durable solutions like local integration and economic inclusion to ensure sustainable livelihoods for displaced people and their hosts.
However, the continuation of these initiatives is heavily reliant on sustained donor support throughout 2025 to effectively provide protection and uphold the rights of refugees and displaced people in Ecuador.