We work to protect the right of women, girls, and LGBTQ+ communities to access their full potential and live free from violence by supporting survivors, mitigating risks, and transforming beliefs that perpetuate GBV.
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Ecuador
HIAS and UN Women collaborate on the Caminando project to promote economic empowerment and women's rights. (Luis Felipe Camacho for HIAS)
Office Locations
Ambato, Cuenca, El Coca, Esmeraldas, Guayaquil, Huaquillas, Ibarra, Lago Agrio, Manta, Machala, Quito, San Lorenzo, Santo Domingo, Tulcán
Founded
2003
Staff Size
327
Ecuador is hosting approximately 550,000 refugees and migrants, of whom 474,945 are from Venezuela.
The country is also host to refugees and migrants from Colombia, Haiti, and Peru. Currently, there are 75,638 recognized refugees and 9,368 asylum seekers in Ecuador.
200,000
people received services in 2023
Our Work
We work to build development processes and protective environments that promote the well-being, recognition of rights, and comprehensive inclusion of refugees, migrants, and the host community in Ecuador. We work with government institutions, partner agencies, and the private sector to promote inclusion and the development of sustainable livelihoods through community-based programs and humanitarian assistance. HIAS’ strategy in Ecuador focuses on a case management approach that provides families with personalized and comprehensive assistance.
Our economic inclusion programs ensure that refugees have economic opportunities to earn sustainable income and start their lives anew.
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HIAS’ community-based mental health programs promote the well-being of individuals, families, and communities affected by crisis and conflict so they can heal and rebuild their lives.
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We work to protect the right of women, girls, and LGBTQ+ communities to access their full potential and live free from violence by supporting survivors, mitigating risks, and transforming beliefs that perpetuate GBV.
Learn MoreRelated News
Impact Story
Working to Break Down Gender Stereotypes in Ecuador
In collaboration with the World Food Program, HIAS Ecuador produced a series of videos that seek to challenge gender stereotypes within the home. These videos highlight certain issues that women and girls face such as unequal access to food and an unequal distribution of household chores.
Resources and Publications
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Working with LGBTQ+ Communities in Displacement
LGBTQ+ refugees and asylum seekers face disproportionate levels of violence and discrimination worldwide. HIAS supports LGBTQ+ displaced people to access their rights and rebuild their lives in dignity. Download this factsheet to learn more about our work with LGBTQ+ communities.
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Evaluation of a Group Psychosocial Intervention for Displaced Women in Ecuador and Panamá
In Ecuador and Panama, HIAS carried out a multi-phase study to better understand, prioritize, and address the psychosocial needs of displaced women and their host communities. HIAS staff developed a five-session MHPSS and protection intervention in collaboration with community representatives. The intervention, called Entre Nosotras, was designed to be delivered by trained community members. HIAS staff tested two versions of the intervention in partnership with University of Copenhagen, Columbia University, and others.
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Now I Know It’s Violence
This report explores the lessons learned during the implementation of the 'Positive Masculinities' curriculum module run by HIAS in Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. This curriculum module was part of the gender-based violence prevention program in the Andean region, funded by the US Department of State.
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Evaluating the Feasibility of a Group Psychosocial Intervention for Displaced Women in Ecuador and Panamá
This study will evaluate the appropriateness, acceptability, feasibility, and safety of intervention and research procedures for a cluster randomized comparative effectiveness trial conducted in Ecuador and Panamá with migrant and host community women.
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Community-Based Participatory Design of a Psychosocial Intervention for Migrant Women in Ecuador and Panama
This paper describes a community-based participatory approach to MHPSS intervention design incorporating processes to promote local adaptability and fit while maintaining standardized elements of existing MHPSS interventions.
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Persecution on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity is often the motivating factor for flight, but is seldom the reason given by refugees and asylum seekers themselves.
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HIAS’ services are free. If someone tries to charge you for services claiming they represent HIAS, please report it at our confidential email address: ethics@hias.org. HIAS has a zero-tolerance policy on fraud and corruption.
For any other inquiries please email us at info@hias.org.
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