Quito, May 12 (Prensa Latina) The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) expressed concern after the National Assembly denied approval of the Organic Code for the Comprehensive Protection of Children and Adolescents.

“We regret that the needs of children and adolescents continue to be neglected in Ecuador,” UNICEF stated after learning that the text did not receive the necessary votes in the legislature.

The agency recognized the work of organizations, social groups, childhood professionals, and assembly members who promoted the bill and called on the assembly members who will take office on Wednesday to “assume their responsibility toward children and adolescents.” It reiterated its willingness to collaborate in the drafting of a law that guarantees children’s well-being and strengthens their protection in the face of current challenges. “We regret that Ecuador has lost the opportunity to settle its debt to children and adolescents,” it added.

This Monday, Parliament failed to approve the reform to the current Children’s Code, in force since 2003, which addressed controversial issues, including measures against the forced recruitment of minors and reforms to the juvenile criminal justice system with a non-punitive approach.

Of the 137 legislators, only 45 voted in favor (all from the Citizens’ Revolution), one voted against, and 60 abstained.

Assemblywoman Pierina Correa, president of the Children’s Commission and sponsor of the bill, clarified that it did not promote adoption by same-sex couples, nor did it allow sex changes for minors except for medical reasons. Furthermore, it was aligned with the Constitutional Court ruling that guarantees access to abortion in cases of rape.

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