By Human Rights Press Staff, July 16, 2024
Since the declaration of a state of emergency in El Salvador in March 2022, over 1,000 minors have been convicted of crimes, according to a Human Rights Watch (HRW) report. The organization denounces these convictions as the result of indiscriminate arrests and instances of torture.
Under the state of emergency declared by President Nayib Bukele, the government has conducted a sweeping crackdown on gang activity, leading to the arrest of more than 80,000 individuals. This policy has contributed to the country’s lowest homicide rate in three decades but has also sparked significant human rights concerns.
Facts and Figures: According to HRW, children have received prison sentences ranging from two to 12 years. These convictions are often based on overly broad charges, such as unlawful association, and frequently rely on uncorroborated police testimony.
Victim Stories: HRW reports that some children have been coerced into confessions through torture, admitting to gang affiliation or providing information about supposed gang activities. Additionally, many detained minors have been denied contact with their families for extended periods and have had limited access to legal representation.
President Bukele’s aggressive anti-gang strategy has resulted in the mass incarceration of presumed gang members, including children from vulnerable communities. The policy has been criticized for its lack of due process and respect for human rights.
Despite the criticism, President Bukele maintains high popularity and was reelected in February with 85 percent of the vote. He continues to defend the state of emergency and dismisses calls from human rights groups to end the policy.
Quotes: “Children from vulnerable communities in El Salvador are bearing the brunt of the government’s indiscriminate security policies, suffering egregious human rights violations,” said Juanita Goebertus, HRW Americas director. “The government should end its abusive approach and prioritize a rights-respecting and effective policy that dismantles criminal gangs, addresses child recruitment, and provides children with protection and opportunities.”
Additional Resources: For more information, visit the HRW website and explore reports by local NGOs like Cristosal.
