Ecuador

The administration of President Rafael Correa has expanded state control over media and civil society and abused its power to harass, intimidate, and punish critics. In 2015, thousands of people participated in public demonstrations against government policies, and security forces on multiple occasions responded with excessive force. Abuses against protesters, including arbitrary arrests, have not been adequately investigated. Other continuing concerns include limited judicial independence, poor prison conditions, and the limited access women and girls enjoy to reproductive health care because of Ecuador’s harsh laws against abortion.