Legal Pluralism in Ecuador: A Way to Reach SDG16? A Case-study of Pueblo Kayambi

Abstract: By 2030, all countries in the World have agreed on fulfilling the 17 Sustainable Development Goals: being a tool for Sustainable Development Worldwide. To accomplish this, all countries need to find solutions how to reach these goals in their National contexts. In this regard, the thesis has examined whether legal pluralism can be a way to reach SDG16 in Ecuador, and if it complies with individual and collective Human Rights. Therefore, a case-study of legal pluralism in Pueblo Kayambi, Ecuador, has been conducted, and the thesis has utilized different theoretical and analytical concepts of what comprises a fair justice system, guaranteeing rights and freedoms to the people. It is a qualitative study, focusing on people’s own experiences and views about justicia indígena, justicia ordinaria, and legal pluralism. The method of Triangulation was used to cross-check the findings obtained from 42 semi-structured interviews, 16 observations, including five audiences, and several legal and public documents. The thesis concludes by arguing that legal pluralism could both be a way to reach SDG16 in Pueblo Kaymabi and Ecuador, having a more inclusive, accessible, and fairer justice system for all, but could also be a way to hinder the fulfillment of SDG16 if not granting compliance with Human Rights in both justice systems, and striving for more comprehension, cooperation and collaboration between the two justice systems.