Adolescents Lead Disappearances in Ecuador During 2026

Ecuador recorded 2,539 disappearances in the first four months of 2026, a 2.1% increase compared to the same period in 2025. The case of Nathaly Juliette Mafla Castillo, a student who went missing for several days, has brought renewed attention to the recurring issue of disappearances in the country.

Adolescents are the most affected demographic, with 1,289 cases reported between January and April 2026, surpassing the 1,022 cases involving adults. The statistics also include 114 children and 113 elderly individuals. Official data indicates that 75.94% of those reported missing are found, while 19.38% remain missing and 4.69% are found deceased.

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Children, adolescents, and women tend to face greater conditions of vulnerability.

Psychologist Emilio Carrillo highlights that children, adolescents, and women are particularly vulnerable due to factors such as poverty, social exclusion, and inequality. He stresses that disappearances cannot be viewed in isolation, emphasizing the crucial role of social conditions and protection levels within communities. The state, according to law professor Martín Domínguez, has an immediate obligation to activate search and investigation mechanisms upon receiving a disappearance report.

Domínguez points to issues like fragmented search systems and a lack of specialized personnel. Both specialists advocate for strengthened institutional coordination and the establishment of specialized prosecutor's offices to create integrated systems that effectively support search and identification processes. A coordinated response among all involved institutions is deemed essential for addressing disappearances.

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The state has the immediate obligation to activate search and investigation mechanisms when a disappearance is reported.