Re: Burglary of Accion Ecologica
To: Dr. Alfredo Palacio, President of the Republic of Ecuador
From: Isabel Stramwasser, Ecuador monitor of LRWC
Date: 2005-07-02
Lawyers’ Rights Watch Canada (LRWC) is gravely concerned with the safety of staff of Accion Ecologica, whose Quito offices were burgled on 22 May 2005.
Accion Ecologica has been outspoken in its opposition to the government¡¯s oil extraction policies in the Amazon and in its opposition to coca plantations in the Colombia-Ecuador border region.
Accion Ecologica has been outspoken in its support of aboriginal peoples¡¯ proposals for viable alternatives to current policies of oil extraction and coca plantations.
According to credible information received from Amnesty International, the burglary appears to be a threat in response to the organisation’s work on behalf of indigenous people and the environment.
The burglars ignored valuable equipment.
But they searched the filing cabinet and took three computer hard disks containing information about the activities of indigenous communities and leaders campaigning against oil-drilling in their territory and its impact on the environment.
LRWC calls on the government of Ecuador to act on Ecuador¡¯s international obligations by immediately investigating the burglary of Accion Ecologica¡¯s offices on 22 May 2005, by making public the results of investigations and bringing to justice those persons responsible.
According to Ecuador¡¯s representative to the meeting of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights of 19 April 2005, indigenous people constitute 39% of Ecuador¡¯s population.
The Constitution of Ecuador guarantees aboriginal rights, including the right to full participation in national politics.
LRWC urges the government of Ecuador to collaborate with indigenous groups through Accion Ecologica and other groups, particularly in their proposals for viable alternatives to oil extraction in the Amazon and coca plantations at the Colombia border.
Please advise LRWC by mail, e-mail or fax of the actions that the government of Ecuador is taking to:
1. Investigate the burglary of Accion Ecologica¡¯s offices; and,
2. Political collaboration with aboriginal groups through Accion Ecologica and other groups.
LRWC awaits your response. Thank you for your attention to our concerns.
