Ecuador law criminalizes child recruitment by gangs, penalties up to 26 years

Ecuador's Assembly approved a law on September 29 with 88 votes that increases penalties for recruiting children, girls, and adolescents for criminal purposes to up to 26 years. Prosecutors and judges will now determine cases of recruitment, use, or utilization of minors by criminal groups. This marks a legislative response to gang-related child exploitation, though enforcement remains uncertain.