On March 17, 2026, the Ecuadorian National Assembly passed the Organic Reform Law for Strengthening the Penitentiary System, which now requires prisoners to work to cover their needs. The law, which underwent extensive discussions in the Security Commission led by assemblywoman Inés Alarcón of the Democratic National Action (ADN) party, reforms several existing legal codes, including the Integral Criminal Code and the Law on Public Security. The legislative initiative aims to address issues within the correctional system and improve the conditions for those incarcerated in Ecuador.

The law was ratified in a heated debate at the Catholic University of Cuenca, achieving a majority with 84 votes in favor, while 62 voted against and 2 abstained. It contains 31 articles along with transitional provisions aimed at framing the integration of work for inmates into a larger public policy. This policy is designed to ensure that prisoners can engage in productive labor while serving their sentences, thus contributing to their personal needs as well as their rehabilitation process.

This legislative move reflects a significant shift towards addressing fundamental issues within the Ecuadorian penal system. By mandating work, the government seeks to enhance rehabilitation efforts, reduce recidivism, and empower inmates to acquire skills and earn some financial resources, potentially leading to better reintegration into society after their release. The implications of this law could resonate throughout the penitentiary landscape in Ecuador, altering both the experience of imprisonment and the perception of inmates within society.