FIBGAR Ecuador reinforces its commitment to social justice at the first seminar on the Organic Law of National Solidarity
On June 20, 2025, the city of Latacunga hosted the first international seminar on the Organic Law of National Solidarity, an event organized by the Universidad Indoamérica (Latacunga campus), which brought together prominent legal and academic experts to reflect on this new Ecuadorian regulation. In this space for dialogue, the International Baltasar Garzón Foundation (FIBGAR) – Ecuador played a significant role, also marking the official launch of its new office in the Andean country.
The seminar aimed to create a space for in-depth analysis on the role of solidarity as a fundamental principle of democratic order and the system of rights. Discussions centered on the legal and social scope of the Organic Law of National Solidarity, its effective implementation, and the challenges it faces within the current political and economic context. The initiative was well received by members of the academic community, local authorities, law students, and civil society organizations, all of whom agreed on the need to strengthen legal frameworks that promote greater social cohesion, equity, and justice.
One of the highlights of the day was the virtual participation of Dr. Baltasar Garzón Real, Honorary President of FIBGAR, internationally renowned for his work in the defense of human rights and universal justice. During his address, Dr. Garzón emphasized that solidarity should not be understood merely as a moral value but as a legal principle essential for building more equitable societies. In his analysis, he underscored the importance of ensuring that laws such as the Ecuadorian initiative become effective tools to combat exclusion, foster resource redistribution, and promote a political culture rooted in the common good.
Joining the international dialogue were legal scholars Hans Contreras from Peru and Emiliano Cottini from Italy, both of whom offered valuable perspectives from their respective contexts. Contreras addressed the binding nature of solidarity in Latin American constitutions and its potential as a driving force for inclusive public policies, while Cottini shared examples from European comparative law, highlighting the challenges contemporary democracies face when incorporating solidarity into their legal and institutional frameworks.
The presence of these international voices enriched the debate through the exchange of experiences and perspectives, strengthening the academic scope of the seminar and extending its relevance beyond national borders. Events like this reflect the importance of fostering legal reflection with a regional and international outlook—spaces where best practices, common challenges, and forward-looking proposals can be shared for the effective protection of rights.
As part of the event, a cooperation agreement was formalized between Universidad Indoamérica and FIBGAR Ecuador. The purpose of this agreement is to establish a strategic partnership for the development of joint initiatives in the fields of research, education, awareness-raising, and dissemination in human rights. It also aims to enhance the academic and professional training of the university’s law students, encouraging their participation in projects with social impact and contributing to the development of an active, critical, and engaged citizenry.
With the opening of its Ecuador office, FIBGAR strengthens its presence in Latin America, promoting local actions aligned with a global agenda focused on justice, democratic memory, and the defense of fundamental rights. This new stage reaffirms the Foundation’s commitment to supporting territories and communities facing structural challenges in accessing justice, repairing rights, and consolidating the rule of law.
FIBGAR Ecuador was established with the mission of contributing to the strengthening of democratic systems from a transformative perspective—one in which solidarity is understood as an effective tool to address social and economic inequalities. In this sense, the Foundation’s work in the country will focus on promoting access to information, empowering citizens, supporting victims, and building the capacity of legal and social actors.
The Organic Law of National Solidarity represents a timely opportunity to move toward a more just and inclusive model of development. However, its successful implementation requires the active commitment of all sectors: the State, academia, civil society, and the public at large. FIBGAR believes that such legislation must be accompanied by mechanisms for participation, citizen oversight, and constant evaluation, to ensure its implementation translates into tangible improvements in people’s lives.
We therefore reaffirm our commitment to working from the ground up, with a critical, constructive, and human rights-centered approach. We believe in the transformative power of the law and the importance of building strong alliances that pave the way toward a more just, democratic, and truly solidaristic society. The seminar held in Latacunga not only marked the beginning of a new chapter for FIBGAR in Ecuador, but also opened the door to dialogue and joint action in defense of fundamental rights.
