Análisis constitucional de las políticas públicas contra la trata de personas en Ecuador

Abstract

Human trafficking in Ecuador is a serious human rights violation, affecting mainly women, children, migrants and vulnerable communities. Despite the existence of a legal framework, such as the Organic Law against Trafficking in Persons and the National Plan against Trafficking, there are still challenges in its adequate implementation and in the effective protection of those who have been victims. This study evaluates, from a constitutional perspective, the coherence and effectiveness of public policies applied in Ecuador to combat human trafficking. The strategy used was based on a qualitative approach through the review of documents and discussion groups. Legislation, jurisprudence and regulations were analyzed, in addition to conducting semi-structured interviews with victims, family members and legal experts. This facilitated the identification of legal gaps, deficiencies in institutions and key social perceptions about this phenomenon. Among the findings, it is highlighted that trafficking continues as a modern type of slavery, including forms such as sexual exploitation, labor exploitation, forced begging and organ trafficking. Victims face obstacles in accessing justice, inadequate support and revictimization. In addition, the judicial system exhibits deficiencies such as lack of training, resources and coordination between institutions.The findings underline that to effectively combat trafficking it is necessary to implement comprehensive, inter-institutional policies aligned with the constitutional principles of dignity, equality and human rights.