Attachments
Operational Update
n 2024, Ecuador faced significant challenges due to escalating violence, climate change impacts, and a growing influx of displaced people. As the government continued its internal conflict response, including a declared state of emergency and military operations, the country grappled with the increased presence of criminal groups. This violence affected not only Ecuadorians but also the growing number of refugees and migrants, particularly Colombians and Venezuelans. Despite efforts to reduce crime and offer some stability, displaced people and their hosts reported continued insecurity, with many suffering from disrupted livelihoods and limited access to community structures and education.
Displacement trends in Ecuador have surged, with the number of Colombian asylum seekers rising dramatically. In the first quarter of 2024 alone, Colombian asylum requests doubled compared to 2023, driven by the intensification of violence in Colombia, registering the highest number of claims on record since 2014. Ecuador remains a critical safer haven for those fleeing the Colombian conflict, as well as for thousands of Venezuelans hoping to rebuild their lives abroad. Asylum applications of Venezuelans continued to be significant, underscoring the country’s role as one of the primary destinations for refugees in the region. The ongoing international protection needs prompted the government to extend and refine its regularization process, allowing for better documentation and protection for migrants and refugees.
The impact of climate change also exacerbated displacement and humanitarian challenges in Ecuador. Heavy rainfall and severe flooding affected thousands of people, particularly in the provinces of Esmeraldas and Guayas, where thousands of homes and hectares of crops were destroyed. Additionally, an intense heatwave and drought affected agricultural production and energy supply, leading to power outages and disruptions in basic services in the second half of the year.
These environmental shocks intensified the vulnerability of displaced populations and their hosts and strained the country’s capacity to respond effectively to both human and environmental crises.
In response, UNHCR, in collaboration with Ecuadorian authorities and partners, worked tirelessly to provide protection and support to those affected. Emergency assistance, including shelter, food, and medical care, was delivered to the most vulnerable, while efforts to improve asylum systems and regularize people in human mobility continued. However, the persistent insecurity, environmental challenges, and political uncertainties highlight the need for sustained international support to ensure that the rights and needs of displaced people are met.
Looking ahead, the combination of security challenges, the climate crisis, and increasing displacement underscores the urgency of a coordinated international response. As Ecuador prepares for its 2025 elections, the situation remains fluid, with continued displacements, violence, and climate impacts shaping the future for refugees and migrants. UNHCR remains committed to assisting the government and local communities, ensuring that displaced populations can find safety, stability, and solutions in the face of these ongoing challenges.