Attachments
Operational context
In October 2024, Ecuador continued to bear witness to forced displacements to and through the country, particularly in regions along the northern border and urban centers. According to Government figures, by the end of October over 5,991 Colombians had sought asylum – the highest number since 2017.
6,246 Venezuelans sought asylum between January and October 2024. This sustained increase in applications comes amid the results of the July 2024 elections, in which a large number of people, who expected a different outcome, decided to leave the country and seek protection. Thus, the government reports an estimated 2,120 entries and 2,904 exits during the reporting period.
The regularization process continue in the country. The UN Human Rights Committee recognized the measures adopted by Ecuador to address the migratory flow at the northern border, as well as the implementation of the extraordinary regularization process for Venezuelans.
On October 3, President Daniel Noboa declared a 60-day state of emergency in several provinces, including Guayas, Los Ríos, Manabí, Orellana, Santa Elena, El Oro, and parts of Pichincha and Azuay. This measure was taken in response to the rising violence and the presence of organized criminal groups. The state of emergency includes curfews and restrictions on movement and assembly.
Ecuador has been experiencing a severe drought, the worst in 60 years, which has drastically reduced water levels in hydroelectric dams. As a result, the government imposed daily power cuts of up to 14 hours. This has significantly impacted daily life and economic activities across the country, uncluding UNHCR’s activities. Some appointments for RSD and documentation were rearranged due to the power cuts that prevent the use of computers and systems to adress the needs of the population.
In October, UNHCR continued to work with local and national authorities, civil society, partners, the private sector and development actors, among other stakeholders, to help build a world of possibilities where all people feel safe, included and prosperous.