Implement the regimen more progressive taxationexecute debt swaps for nature conservation and gradually targeted subsidies fuel are three preliminary recommendations, such as policies to expand fiscal space and thereby finance projects, initiatives and services aimed at closing social and economic gaps. the fight against the poor. This is how he summed it up Olivier De Schutter, The United Nations Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, after a twelve-day visit to Ecuador.

De Schutter arrived in the country on August 28 to examine the poverty situation. During his stay, he held meetings with state bodies, such as the president Guillermo Lasso; autochthonous leaders, such as Leonid Iza, leader of Conaia; Afro-descendant communities; refugees; women’s groups; collective ecology; academy; and several organizations and representatives of civil society. He visited urban and rural sites in the Sierra and the Amazon.

After all the meetings, on the morning of Friday, September 8, the rapporteur held a press conference in Quito, where he presented some observations and conclusions. He highlighted Ecuador’s openness to the United Nations to address the challenges facing the country.

He pointed out that it was poverty and lack of opportunity This is one of the causes that lead to the violence and insecurity that affects Ecuadorians. In this sense, he said that “an answer is needed based on the human rights standards of which Ecuador is a signatory, by investing more in education, health and in its people”.

Although the country faces restrictions, “there is a need be more imaginative in finding solutions“, exalted De Schutter.

They originate from there three preliminary recommendationsarising from the information gathered in the various conversations I had during the two weeks of work.

In tax matters, the proposal is to ensure that a greater part of public revenue comes from direct income taxes, especially from the large incomes of households and corporations, and less from indirect taxes. In addition, efforts to combat tax evasion must be increased.

Another tool is sa replacement of public debt for nature conservation, generate financial relief. An example of this is the agreement to protect the Galapagos, although, in this case, the effects will not be immediate.

The third way is to open a discussion on the use of fossil fuel subsidies and their gradual targeting. The current system is not sustainable because about 4.5 billion dollars are allocated to these subsidies; Furthermore, they benefit 20% of the richest people in the country and do not encourage sustainable ways of production and consumption. These resources could be used to cover the basic needs of rural communities.

On this last point, the UN Special Rapporteur said he had spoken with Leonidas Iza and Marlon Vargas, leaders of Conaia and Confeniae. De Schutter said he was confident they knew what was good for their communities and that this could be financed by phasing out subsidies.

The Special Rapporteur pointed out five achievements from the country:

Likewise, he spoke about five challenges which Ecuador must overcome:

Olivier De Schutter said that a meeting with the presidential candidates was requested Luisa González and Daniel Noboa, but due to problems with the agenda, the meeting could not be held. He invited the finalists to comment on three fiscal policy recommendations.

In addition, he referred to the results of popular consultations on August 20, in which the majority of Ecuadorians won to stop oil exploitation in Yasuní and prevent further mining projects in Chocó Andino. He commented that the results leave a clear message that citizens want the country to move away from a development scheme based on extractivism.

The Special Rapporteur will present a final report on his visit to Ecuador at the Human Rights Council in June 2024.