Pursuant to these resolutions, the relevant communications were sent to Governments. This document contains the replies received as of 1 June 1994. If more replies are received, they will be included in addenda to this document. Ecuador has balanced the interests of the various indigenous communities, the settlers and all sectors of the population.
Ecuadorian society is unitary, multicultural and multiracial.
Recognition of this pluralism cannot and should not affect the historical and legal unity of the State. In this regard, the ethnic minorities or indigenous groups forming part of the Ecuadorian nation are entitled to their own culture and land. Demographically and historically, the indigenous population of Ecuador has played an important role in establishing our nationhood. The various ethnic groups form cultural systems with languages and customs of their own, and this has made for the multicultural nature of Ecuador's society. The draft includes matters pertaining to the right to self-determination and political participation and rights to land, in terms which could lead to situations of conflict with various State institutions.