IACHR Follows Up on Precautionary Measures Granted in Favor of Christian Zurita and Extends Precautionary Measures Granted in Favor of Verónica Sarauz in Ecuador

November 1, 2023

Washington, D.C. – The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) issued Follow-Up and Extension Resolution 63/2023 on October 30, 2023, to ratify precautionary measures granted in favor of Christian Gustavo Zurita Ron, Andrea González Nader, Ramón Antonio López Cobeña, and Carlos Eduardo Figueroa Figueroa in Ecuador (MC-646-23) and to extend precautionary measures granted in favor of Verónica Alexandra Sarauz Peñaranda, the widow of murdered presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio.

In this resolution, the IACHR assessed the information that was provided by the parties. The Commission noted the protection measures adopted by the State in favor of the beneficiaries and of the individuals whose precautionary measures were extended. The IACHR also noted the risks faced by these individuals, allegedly linked to progress made in the investigation into Fernando Villavicencio's murder. In this context, the Commission decided to keep in place and strengthen the precautionary measures granted in favor of Christian Gustavo Zurita Ron, Andrea González Nader, Ramón Antonio López Cobeña, and Carlos Eduardo Figueroa Figueroa and to extend the precautionary measures granted in favor of Verónica Alexandra Sarauz Peñaranda and her children.

The Commission therefore asked the State of Ecuador to take the following action:

1. Continue to apply the protection measures adopted to preserve the lives and integrity of Christian Gustavo Zurita Ron, Andrea González Nader, Ramón Antonio López Cobeña, and Carlos Eduardo Figueroa Figueroa
2. Strengthen the measures adopted to protect the rights to life and personal integrity of Verónica Alexandra Sarauz Peñaranda and her children (who were identified in this matter)
3. Come to an agreement with beneficiaries and their representatives concerning any measures that need to be taken
4. Report on any actions adopted to investigate the events that gave rise to the adoption of these precautionary measures, in order to prevent such events from happening again in the future

Precautionary measures were granted on August 20, 2023, in the belief that Christian Zurita—who had replaced Fernando Villavicencio as a presidential candidate following Villavicencio's murder—was at risk after denouncing what had happened, particularly given that threats had been extended to him and to various members of his campaign team.

A principal, autonomous body of the Organization of American States (OAS), the IACHR derives its mandate from the OAS Charter and the American Convention on Human Rights. The Inter-American Commission has a mandate to promote respect for and to defend human rights in the region and acts as a consultative body to the OAS in this area. The Commission is composed of seven independent members who are elected in an individual capacity by the OAS General Assembly and who do not represent their countries of origin or residence.

No. 259/23

4:30 PM