The UN official reported the conclusions of his two-week visit to Ecuador, where he met with President Guillermo Lasso, members of his Cabinet, civil society groups and leaders of indigenous and Afro-descendant communities.

The lack of employment and educational openings allow criminal gangs to levy youngsters who in turn extort businesses, cause insecurity in schools and force Ecuadorians to emigrate, we must break this vicious circle, Schutter assured.

The diplomat further regretted the existing gap between urban and rural regions of the country in terms of basic services coverage. While 70% of the rural population lives in multidimensional poverty, the rate in the cities is 23%, he pointed out.

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