Prison Crisis in Ecuador Claims 394 Lives in 2025
The Permanent Committee for the Defense of Human Rights (CDH) in Ecuador reported that 394 prisoners have died in Guayaquil this year, predominantly from health-related issues and human rights violations, reports 24brussels.
The CDH has called for an emergency declaration for the prison system, particularly at the Guayas No. 1, Esmeraldas, and Cotopaxi Centers for Deprivation of Liberty (CPL). They demand immediate restoration of essential food and health services, as well as rehabilitation programs and due judicial oversight.
These figures align with reports from prison judges and the Ombudsman’s Office highlighting violations of detainees’ rights to proper nutrition, healthcare, and rehabilitative support. The CDH emphasized the necessity for urgent reforms to address these alarming trends.
On April 22, 2025, an investigation into the conditions at Guayas CPL No. 1 revealed treatment that “contradicts human dignity,” a situation echoed in other military-controlled facilities, such as those in Esmeraldas and Cotopaxi. Detainees are reportedly denied access to adequate food, timely medical care, and rehabilitation services.
The organization attributed these circumstances to the prison management instituted in March 2024, which has failed to improve security and staff protection, ultimately resulting in more deaths than prison riots and an increase in corruption within the Armed Forces.
The CDH has held the authorities of the Social Rehabilitation System accountable, specifically President Daniel Noboa, for perpetuating conditions that lead to preventable fatalities and inhumane confinement. The committee asserts that given the scale, repetition, and knowledge of the state regarding these acts, they may amount to crimes against humanity.
In light of these findings, the Committee will pursue criminal and constitutional legal actions to enforce the rights of all individuals within the prison system.
