In a tribe in the Amazon rainforest, a father and two uncles were allegedly sexually abusing six children.
The Ecuadorian National Police (ENP) found out about the possible crimes in March 2024 when the children’s mother came forward to authorities. The ENP’s human trafficking unit then planned a rescue operation.
OUR Rescue agreed to provide financial support along with Operations and Survivor Care personnel at officials’ request.
With the tribe being deep in the Amazon, the operation required many hours of intense travel. Law enforcement, OUR personnel, and the mother of the children traveled by auto, motorized canoe, and on foot through the rainforest.
Because the allegations involved a community outside of Ecuadorian law, it was a different process from most operations.
Law enforcement had to request authorization from the self-policing tribe to enter their village. A council meeting was held between the tribal chief, members of the tribe, authorities, and OUR Rescue personnel to get the permission needed to rescue the children.
Authorities then had to find the children because tribal members instructed them to hide. As each child was found, they were placed with their mother. Throughout the operation, we provided advice to ensure the safety of all parties.
The children ranged from 9 months to 16 years old at the time of rescue. Because of the alleged sexual abuse, the 16-year-old is the mother of the 9-month-old after being impregnated by her own father.
When all the children were found, they were escorted out of the tribe under authorities’ protection. OUR Rescue provided Survivor Care to the survivors as well.
After hours of travel to exit the Amazon rainforest, the children were taken to a medical center to receive needed attention. Then, they were placed in a shelter. We are continuing to work with in-country officials to offer psychological care to the children.
Due to the tribe not operating under Ecuadorian law, it is unknown at this time if the ENP will be able to arrest the children’s father and uncles.