Ecuador to toughen penalties for recruiting minors with new law

Ecuador's National Assembly is nearing the final stages of approving a new law designed to significantly toughen penalties for those who recruit minors into organized crime. The bill, initially proposed in January 2026, seeks to create a comprehensive legal framework to combat the growing problem of child involvement in criminal activities.

The proposed reforms would amend ten existing legal codes, with a notable change to the Penal Code that could increase sentences for recruiting minors in armed conflicts or groups from a range of 10 to 13 years to a much harsher 22 to 26 years. This initiative also incorporates proposals focused on preventing drug use and criminal recruitment among young people, aiming for integral prevention, detoxification, and social reintegration.

However, legal and political analysts express reservations about the effectiveness of solely increasing penalties. Penal lawyer José Cárdenas argues that criminal law is reactive and cannot address the fundamental issues. He stresses that solutions must focus on improving the social conditions that surround children and adolescents. Similarly, political analyst Alfredo Espinosa suggests that while tougher laws may satisfy immediate public demand amid rising violence, long-term solutions require broader state intervention beyond coercive measures.

The bill's progression reflects the government's efforts to address escalating violence and organized crime. The initiative also aims to expand municipal responsibilities in security and recreational programs. Despite the proposed punitive measures, experts advocate for a more holistic approach that tackles the underlying social and economic factors contributing to youth vulnerability to criminal organizations.