Strengthening Local Capacities for Peace and Development through a Human Security Approach in the Northern Border Zone of Ecuador

In recent years, security along Ecuador’s border with Colombia has become increasingly complex. While Colombia has made significant progress in reducing conflict, some illegal armed groups and criminal networks have shifted their activities to border regions, occasionally crossing into Ecuador. As a result, the northern provinces of Esmeraldas and Sucumbíos have experienced higher levels of crime and armed violence. Issues such as youth recruitment into illegal groups, human trafficking, and the illicit trade of drugs and weapons have intensified, further straining communities already facing economic and social challenges. For many years, northern Ecuador has grappled with poverty, unemployment, food insecurity, and limited access to essential services such as health care and education. Additionally, land use disputes between Indigenous and Afro-Ecuadorian communities have contributed to tensions in the region.

The goal of the programme is to strengthen peace and development through a human security approach in the northern border region of Ecuador. To achieve this goal, the programme aims to: (i) strengthen local capacities and livelihood opportunities for the prevention of human trafficking and the forced recruitment of youth by illegal armed groups; (ii) promote local capabilities for social integration and peaceful resolution of conflicts; and (iii) increase access to health care and education services.

KEY MATERIALS​
Programme Summary
Brochure Youth of Sucumbíos: taking action against GBV!
Leaflet International Meeting on Methodology for the prevention of violence on girls and adolescents (« Encuentro Internacional de Metodología para la Prevención de Violencia en la Niñez y Adolescencia »)