Adolescents Lead Ecuador Disappearance Reports in Early 2026

Ecuador recorded 2,539 disappearance reports during the first four months of 2026, with adolescents making up the largest reported group.

The total compares with 2,487 cases in the same period of 2025, an increase of 52 reports, or 2.1%.

The Age Breakdown

Adolescents led the national statistics, with 1,289 cases between January and April.

Adults accounted for 1,022 reports.

The records also included 114 children, 113 older adults and one case without age information.

What Happened To The Cases

Official statistics cited in the report show:

• 75.94% corresponded to people found
• 19.38% remained disappeared at the end of the period analyzed
• 4.69% corresponded to people found dead

The gender split was 56.65% men and 44.35% women among people reported missing.

Why The Numbers Matter

The report ties the issue to broader vulnerability factors. Psychologist Emilio Carrillo said children, adolescents and women often face greater vulnerability, with poverty, social exclusion and inequality contributing to the problem.

Legal academic Martin Dominguez said the state has an immediate obligation to activate search and investigation mechanisms when a disappearance is reported. He identified problems such as fragmented search systems and lack of specialized personnel.

What This Means for Expats

For foreign residents with children or teenage relatives in Ecuador, the practical lesson is not panic. It is preparation.

Make sure family members know how to reach you, keep emergency contacts current, and treat a disappearance report as urgent rather than waiting informally for the person to return.

For community groups, schools and parents, the key issue is early reporting and coordinated follow-up. The statistics show that most cases are resolved, but the unresolved share is still large enough to take seriously.