Torture and arbitrary detention characterize the government's tough approach to gang crime in El Salvador. Over 1,000 children have been convicted of crimes and many have been tortured, according to the human rights organization HRW.
The tough measures against gang crime in El Salvador have led to serious violations of children's human rights, according to a report from Human Rights Watch (HRW).
Many children have been subjected to violence from gang members. Some of them have since been arrested by security forces, according to the report, which is based on interviews with over 90 people. They testify to arbitrary arrests, abuse, and torture that have forced confessions within the framework of President Nayib Bukele's state of emergency against gang crime.
"Protect children"
Primarily, it is children from low-income communities who are subjected to serious violations, according to Juanita Goebertus at HRW.
"The government should stop its abusive approach and prioritize a policy that respects rights and is effective, dismantling criminal gangs, addressing child recruitment, and providing children with protection and opportunities," she says in a statement.
Children have been sentenced to prison terms ranging from two to twelve years, "often on overly broad charges such as illegal association and often based on unconfirmed police testimony," writes HRW.
Popular president
The tough measures against gang crime have sparked criticism from several human rights groups but have made President Nayib Bukele popular with the population.
The president has a habit of dismissing calls to end the state of emergency, which was introduced in the country in March 2022, and dismisses criticism from human rights groups.
Over 80,000 people have been arrested within the framework of the president's large-scale operation against gang crime, including over 3,000 children.
