15 Nov 2019 | 08:12 AM UTC
Ecuador: Solidarity rallies planned in Quito November 15-16
Demonstrations in support of peace in Colombia are expected to be held in Quito on November 15-16; heightened police presence and localized traffic disruptions anticipated
Event
Multiple rallies are being organized in Quito on Friday, November 15, and Saturday, November 16, to call for peace in Colombia between the government and ex-FARC members. On Friday, supporters are being asked to gather outside of the Organization of American States (OAS) building at 08:00 (local time) at the intersection of Ave 12 de Octubre and Luis Cordero. Another event will start at 08:00 on Saturday at the Junior College of the Central University of Ecuador.
A heightened police presence and localized traffic disruptions are possible around all rally sites.
Context
Associated rallies are being organized under the banner “Defense of Peace and Life in Colombia” on November 15 in several countries, including Switzerland, Uruguay, US, and Costa Rica. The demonstrations are being held to highlight ongoing human rights violations in Colombia and to denounce the government’s breach of the peace agreement. A peace deal between FARC leadership and the Colombian government was ratified by the Colombian congress in November 2016, officially ending an armed conflict that killed more than 260,000 people over five decades. However, some dissident ex-FARC militants remain active, notably in the Colombian-Ecuadorian border region.
Advice
Individuals in Quito are advised to avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, anticipate possible traffic disruptions, and obey all instructions issued by the local authorities.
