Ecuador

2013 UNHCR country operations profile - Ecuador

Working environment

The context

With presidential elections scheduled for early 2013, national security is high on the political agenda in Ecuador. This could have a direct impact on the asylum system and protection for Colombian refugees in the country. Though the flow of people in search of protection in Ecuador remains high, access to asylum has become difficult, particularly since the adoption of the new, more restrictive Refugee Decree 1182.

Constructive diplomatic relations between Ecuador and Colombia have eased tensions between the two neighbours. Over the past few years the Ecuadorian army has significantly increased its presence along the border, and cooperation with its Colombian counterparts has improved.

However, the activities of illegal armed groups in the border region affect the security of local and refugee populations. The spillover of the Colombian conflict into northern Ecuador has made the need for international protection greater, particularly in the border provinces of Esmeraldas, Carchi and Sucumbíos, where the flow of new arrivals continues unabated. UNHCR maintains a significant presence in the border area to ensure adequate protection monitoring.

Many refugees move from the border areas to large cities, particularly Quito and Guayaquil, where they mix with local populations and feel more secure. UNHCR has worked with a wide range of stakeholders, including local authorities, to implement a protection strategy for refugees in urban areas.

Refugee policy in Ecuador has been affected by negative perceptions of the displaced. The presence of refugees is often believed to lead to an increase in criminal activity and insecurity. Refugees also suffer from the perception that they are economic migrants who are abusing the asylum system.

At the end of 2010 the Government introduced admissibility procedures to control fraudulent asylum claims. In May 2012, the Government adopted Refugee Decree 1182, removing the broader refugee definition contained in the Cartagena Declaration and introducing restrictive admissibility procedures.

The needs

Ecuador hosts a large refugee population, with more than 150,000 people having requested asylum in the country over the last decade. By the end of June 2012, some 55,791 asylum-seekers, 98 per cent of them from Colombia, had been recognized as refugees.

During the first six months of 2012 the flow of new arrivals (some 1,500 per month) continued. However, recognition rates have gone down. It is expected that on a yearly basis there will be some 18,000 additional asylum-seekers coming through the northern border.

The impact of the new Refugee Decree needs further consideration, as discussed during the recent visit to Ecuador of the High Commissioner. Particularly important is the monitoring of admissibility procedures, since many persons are in need of international protection, including those fleeing generalized violence.

UNHCR is defining new strategies to address the Refugee Decree's impact on asylum-seekers and recognized refugees, such as promoting other migratory solutions and creating more job opportunities. It is doing so in a context where the gap between legislation benefiting refugees and the actual application of these laws is growing. UNHCR will seek to promote comprehensive durable solutions for all people of concern. Local integration remains a solution for the majority of refugees, but there is a need to continue exploring resettlement and voluntary repatriation as alternatives.

Main objectives and targets for 2013

Favourable protection environment

Relevant laws and policies are developed or strengthened.

• Government authorities responsible for refugee status determination (RSD) receive UNHCR support.

• Asylum-seekers and refugees obtain documentation.

Security from violence and exploitation

The risk of SGBV is reduced and the quality of the response to it is improved.

• The national network of shelters is expanded and adapted to improve assistance for SGBV victims.

• Legal assistance is available for all victims of SGBV.

Durable solutions

The potential for resettlement is realized.

• Approximately 1,600 people are referred for resettlement.

• Group resettlement is conducted under UNHCR criteria.

Strategy and activities in 2013

To address the evolving refugee protection environment in Ecuador, UNHCR will closely monitor the impact of Refugee Decree 1182. A strong field presence, particularly in border regions, will permit the monitoring of admissibility procedures to ensure that deserving asylum-seekers are protected. UNHCR will seek dialogue with the authorities to reduce protection gaps. It will support registration and renovation brigades aiming to reach isolated areas containing a large number of people in need of international protection. Training to improve the quality of decisions will be important.

UNHCR is redoubling efforts to prevent sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and identify its victims. It will improve its response through collaboration with a wide range of partners, including through the use of safe-houses. Priority will be given to refugee and local youths, who will be provided with alternatives to unemployment and crime. Programmes implemented in coordination with local authorities will address the forced recruitment of youth in border areas.

UNHCR will also increase its efforts to ensure that asylum seekers and refugees have adequate access to rights, both to asylum and basic services. A better balance between these two approaches is being sought.

UNHCR will finalize its comprehensive solutions strategy, providing refugees in Ecuador with opportunities to improve their situation. Additional efforts will be made to naturalize refugees who have been in Ecuador for more than three years.

Priority will also be given to helping refugees access their right to work, both through employment schemes and support for livelihood options, including microfinancing.

Resettlement in a third country will remain the only option for a significant number of refugees. It is expected that the Ecuador operation will identify 1,600 people for resettlement, based on established criteria.

According to recent studies, interest in repatriation is low. More than 84 per cent of refugees do not want to return to Colombia under the present circumstances. Those individuals that opt for repatriation will receive UNHCR support.

Constraints

The new protection context under Decree 1182 poses challenges for people in need of international protection, since access to asylum procedures has become more restrictive.

In border areas, UNHCR will operate in a complex security environment that directly affects the mobility of humanitarian workers. In other parts of the country too UNHCR offices will have to address an increasing number of security cases, particularly related to SGBV and resettlement.

Organization and implementation

Coordination

UNHCR has a wide range of partners in Ecuador. Its main government counterparts are the Refugee Directorate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Interior. An important agreement has also been signed with the Ombudsman's Office. Coordination with civil society is being given priority: agreements have been signed with 15 NGOs, many of them national organizations.

Inter-agency coordination with WFP, IOM, UNICEF, UNDP, PAHO, UN Women, UNFPA and OHCHR will continue, particularly through joint activities in the north of the country.

Financial information

Operations in Ecuador continue to receive the support of the international community. UNHCR will renew its efforts to secure the resources necessary to strengthen protection and implement livelihood projects in urban areas hosting refugees.

In 2013 UNHCR's funding needs in Ecuador are forecast at USD 21.1 million.

Source: UNHCR Global Appeal 2013 Update

UNHCR contact information