HRW disagree with NGO’s limitations

“It limits the role of these organizations,” said yesterday the Americas director of Human Rights Watch (HRW), Jose Miguel Vivanco, who made a complaint towards Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa of revoking the decree that regulates nongovernmental organizations (NGO).

“The Correa government has damaged freedom of expression, spending much energy on media and now it tries to step over independent groups,” said Vivanco, “officials can decide what groups can and may say, seriously undermining their role to control the government, “he added.

Last June, the Ecuadorian president approved a regulation on the operation of social and civic organizations extending the requirements to obtain legal status in the country. “The decree limits the ability of groups to choose who can be a member or participant, undermining their right to freedom of association,” concluded Vivanco.

Jose Miguel Vivanco