El principio del interés superior del niño y la protección integral de niños, niñas y adolescentes en la jurisprudencia constitucional ecuatoriana

Abstract

Abstract: This research analyzes the principle of the best interests of the child and the comprehensive protection of children and adolescents within Ecuadorian constitutional jurisprudence. The objective was to identify the criteria developed by the Constitutional Court of Ecuador to effectively guarantee this principle, which encompasses the rights of children and adolescents. A qualitative method was employed, involving a legal analysis based on a review of statutes, legal doctrine, and case law. The study examined Constitutional Court of Ecuador rulings No. 064-15-SEP-CC, 2496-21-EP/23, and 2691-18-EP/21, complemented by Judgment T-510 of 2003 from the Constitutional Court of Colombia as a point of comparison. The results reveal a body of case law consolidated around interpretive standards aimed at ensuring the development and comprehensive protection of children and adolescents, establishing that every judicial decision must be duly substantiated and take their needs and rights into account. The main conclusion is that this principle is essential for guaranteeing the effective protection of the rights of children and adolescents, requiring that decisions be duly reasoned.