In a sweeping crackdown on gangs initiated by President Nayib Bukele, approximately 3,000 children, some as young as 12, have been detained in El Salvador over the past two years, a new report from Human Rights Watch (HRW) reveals.
Mass Detentions and Allegations of Abuse
Since March 2022, amidst a state of emergency, security forces have conducted widespread raids in neighborhoods historically controlled by gangs Barrio 18 and MS13, resulting in over 80,000 arrests. These actions have aimed to quell rampant gang violence that has plagued El Salvador for decades, transforming one of Latin America’s most violent countries into one of its safest, with the homicide rate dropping sharply to 2.4 per 100,000 in 2023.
Human Rights Violations and Arbitrary Arrests
However, HRW’s report details troubling human rights violations, including arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances, and allegations of torture amounting to systematic abuse of due process. Many of the detained children reportedly have no ties to criminal activities or gang affiliation.
Conditions in Detention
Children detained under these operations face dire conditions in overcrowded facilities, lacking adequate food, healthcare, and access to legal representation and family visits. Initial detention alongside adults further exacerbates their vulnerable situation before transfer to juvenile facilities described as unsafe and dehumanizing.
Legal Proceedings and International Concerns
More than 1,000 children have been convicted under broad charges such as unlawful association, often based on unreliable police testimony and coerced confessions. HRW calls for a thorough review of these cases and urges international entities to withhold financial support to agencies implicated in the abuses.
International Response and Political Landscape
Juanita Goebertus Estrada, Americas director at HRW, criticizes the government’s approach, warning that harsh measures targeting children risk perpetuating violence in El Salvador. Despite criticism, Bukele’s tough stance on crime has bolstered his popularity, leading to his reelection amidst controversy over constitutional amendments.
Looking Ahead
The report underscores the urgent need for El Salvador to address human rights abuses and prioritize the protection of vulnerable detainees, particularly children caught up in anti-gang operations. As international scrutiny mounts, the future implications for El Salvador’s governance and human rights landscape remain pivotal.
While Bukele’s policies have yielded improvements in public safety, the methods employed have sparked international concern over human rights violations. The balance between security measures and safeguarding civil liberties, especially for children, remains a critical challenge for the nation moving forward.
