The UN Human Rights Office has expressed approval of a recent ruling which found 16 military personnel guilty of the forced disappearance of four minors in the Las Malvinas area of Guayaquil, Ecuador. This case was brought against a total of 17 military members, with 16 receiving sentences while one was exonerated. The Fourth Penal Guarantees Court in Guayaquil determined in December of last year that the military involved had committed forced disappearance, resulting in significant legal repercussions for those found guilty.

Among the convicted, eleven military officials received lengthy sentences of 34 years and 8 months for their actions, considered a serious violation of human rights. Additionally, five others, who provided information during the investigations, were sentenced to 30 months in prison. The court also identified the inappropriate use of force and various acts of institutional cover-up linked to the operational context of the case, highlighting issues of accountability and oversight within the military.

This ruling by the Ecuadorian judiciary marks a critical step towards addressing past abuses and reaffirming the rule of law in the country. The UN's acknowledgment of the case underscores the international community's commitment to advocating for justice, particularly in regions grappling with human rights violations. This case not only impacts the families of the victims but also serves as a broader warning against the misuse of state power by military authorities in Ecuador's turbulent political landscape.