Incidencia de la migración internacional en el ejercicio del derecho a la educación. Deserción estudiantil en la Universidad de Cuenca 2020-2023

Abstract

International migration is a phenomenon that closely accompanies the history of Ecuador, its impact has been present in some provinces more than in others, as is the case of Azuay during the period 2020-2023, the emigration of Ecuadorians increased significantly as a result of the post-covid-19, organized crime, political and economic instability. This would increase the presence of migrant students in the Ecuadorian educational system, but would also provoke school desertion by encouraging several students to abandon their studies in search of better opportunities. In this context, the objective of this paper is to analyze the impact of international migration on the exercise of the right to education at the University of Cuenca in the period 2020-2023. A mixed methodology was applied, through a bibliographic documentary review, semi-structured interviews, and application of surveys to a random sample of the university community. Based on the analysis of the results obtained, it is concluded that the University of Cuenca has conducted academic projects, research, and outreach programs on migration. However, given the growing incidence of international migratory flows, these activities are insufficient. Also, it is analyzed how international migration is one of the factors that generate student desertion in the university field. In this regard, the importance of developing public policies from perspectives of interculturality and inclusion is raised, in order to deconstruct discriminatory practices for social or cultural reasons derived from migration, and to promote strategies to guarantee the right to quality education.