Ecuador’s Coastal Crisis: A Year of Unanswered Questions Following Enforced Disappearances
A year has passed since the disappearance and subsequent deaths of steven Medina, Nehemías Arboleda, Josué Arroyo, and Ismael Arroyo – tragically known as the “four children from Las Malvinas.” thier families continue to tirelessly seek justice, truth, and complete reparations for this horrific loss. This case, and dozens like it, highlight a deepening human rights crisis in Ecuador, demanding urgent attention and accountability.
As experts monitoring the situation, Amnesty International has been closely following the developments and documenting the concerning trend of enforced disappearances linked to Ecuador’s security operations. This article provides a detailed overview of the situation, the ongoing legal proceedings, and the obstacles hindering justice for victims and their families.
The Disappearance and Discovery
On December 8, 2024, members of the Ecuadorian armed forces detained the four young men during a security operation in the Las Malvinas community of Guayaquil. Just over two weeks later, on December 24, 2024, their bodies were discovered near a military base in Taura, Guayas province. Disturbingly, the bodies bore clear signs of torture.
This case isn’t isolated. It’s symptomatic of a broader pattern of abuses occurring amidst Ecuador’s escalating security challenges.
A Failing Security policy?
The events surrounding the “four children from Las Malvinas” have deeply shaken Ecuador and raised serious questions about the effectiveness - and human cost – of President Daniel Noboa’s security policy.As Ana Piquer, Americas Director at Amnesty International, states, “The families of these children and of all the victims of enforced disappearances at the hands of the armed forces in the Ecuadorian coastal region have a right to justice, truth and comprehensive reparation.”
We believe a militarized approach, while intended to address rising insecurity, has inadvertently created an environment where serious human rights violations can occur with impunity.
Current Legal Status & Investigations
There has been some progress in holding those responsible accountable.Here’s a breakdown of the current legal landscape:
* Initial Charges: the Public Prosecutor’s Office filed charges against 16 military officers in early 2025,alleging their involvement in the events.All are currently in pretrial detention.
* Further Accusations: An additional colonel was charged in April.
* Trial Proceedings: A trial involving 17 suspects began in October and is currently in the closing argument phase, following numerous hearings.
* Constitutional Court Review: The Constitutional Court of ecuador is also examining the legality and human rights implications of these cases.
However, despite these steps, meaningful hurdles remain.
Amnesty International’s Findings: “It Was the Military. I Saw Them.”
Amnesty International’s recent report, “It was the military. I saw them“, details the enforced disappearance of 10 individuals, including the tragic case of the “four children from Las Malvinas.”
Our examination reveals a disturbing pattern: the militarized security strategy implemented by President Noboa has facilitated serious human rights violations, including enforced disappearances – a crime under international law. The report is based on extensive interviews with victims, families, and witnesses.
The Scale of the Problem: 43 Disappearances
The Public Prosecutor’s Office reports a staggering 43 recorded disappearances in Ecuador’s coastal region as of September 2025.These disappearances occurred in the context of security operations conducted by the armed forces throughout 2024.
This alarming number underscores the urgency of addressing the systemic issues contributing to these abuses.
The Biggest Obstacle: Lack of Military Cooperation
While investigations are underway, Amnesty International believes the biggest obstacle to achieving justice for victims and their families is a critical lack of cooperation from the armed forces.
Full transparency and collaboration are essential for uncovering the truth and holding perpetrators accountable. Without it, the cycle of impunity will continue.
What You Can do
If you are concerned about the human rights situation in Ecuador, here are some ways you can help:
* Stay Informed: Continue to follow developments in this case and the broader human rights situation
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