Silvia Buendía, prominent Ecuadorian human rights activist, dies

Silvia Elena Buendía Silva, a prominent Ecuadorian lawyer and human rights activist, passed away on August 24, 2026, at the age of 57 after battling cancer. Born in Guayaquil, Buendía was a central figure in the country’s social and political debates, particularly regarding feminism, gender equality, and LGBTIQ+ rights.

Throughout her career, she was a vocal advocate for marriage equality in Ecuador and served as a spokesperson for the Red LGBTI Diversidad Ecuador. In 2016, she represented Ecuadorian organizations before the United Nations Human Rights Committee. Beyond her legal work, she was a media personality, appearing as a columnist and television panelist on programs such as ‘Así Somos’ and ‘Ventana Ciudadana’.

Buendía also engaged in national politics, having been a member of the Ruptura de los 25 movement and later being linked to the Construye Movement. She was also involved with the National Anticorruption Commission in 2017. Her death has drawn tributes from colleagues, activists, and public figures who recognized her commitment to social justice and non-discrimination.