ECUADOR
BORDER WITH COLOMBIA
Many Peruvians migrate to Ecuador to work, whether it is on banana or rice plantations. They either work for the owner of the plantation and some have managed to rent their own piece of land. Ecuador is attractive because the currency is the dollar.
In the north of the Ecuadorian Andes deep hidden in the Chota valley are some African communities, descendants of slaves. Its dry and relatively warm. Ulises de La Cruz is from the Piquiucho and one of Ecuador's star soccer players. The valley has actually produced many good players. Ulises lives nowadays in Quito, but decided with the fortune he made to give something back to the community, so he created 'FundeCruz', a foundation that builds houses, build a clinic and a school. He also provides micro credit. He comes often to the village to see family and friends.
Every month around 120 Colombians ask for asylum in the border area with Ecuador according to UNHCR, the actual number is likely to be higher. Many are fleeing the southern provinces of Colombia due to threats of armed gangs, Para-militaries or guerilla activities.
The number of people fleeing inside Colombia or to neighboring states is still increasing. Just in Colombia itself an estimated 3,5 - 5 million are displaced.