Relación entre educación precaria e ingreso de menores en la delincuencia organizada en Ecuador

The involvement of minors in activities of organized crime groups is an emerging problem in Ecuador. This paper examines the situation of the National Education System, determining to what extent the State fulfills its duty to guarantee the fundamental right to education. It then conducts an analysis of organized crime as a phenomenon, from a conceptual, normative, and contextual approach. Subsequently, from the criminological theory of anomie, the relationship between both aspects and the involvement of minors in organized crime is explored. It is suggested to adopt education as a tool against the influence of organized crime and to mitigate the effects of its activities. It also emphasizes the victim status of the minors involved to avoid an excessively punitive and severe approach toward them.