Reports of abuses in El Salvador raise alarm among international human rights organizations.

The recent report by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) regarding the abuses committed during the state of emergency in El Salvador has raised alarms among human rights defenders and the international community. This report, published on Wednesday, reveals a troubling series of violations of the fundamental rights of thousands of Salvadoran citizens, within the framework of a security strategy promoted by President Nayib Bukele. Since the implementation of the state of emergency on March 27, 2022, more than 73,000 arrests have been recorded. Most of these individuals have faced the harsh measure of preventive detention, raising serious concerns about the legality and justice of such actions. The IACHR has indicated that many of these detentions are illegal and arbitrary, calling into question the effectiveness and legitimacy of the government's security policy. The IACHR report details a series of abuses, including illegal home raids and excessive use of force by authorities. These actions not only affect adults but also have impacted girls, boys, and adolescents. The possibility that up to 200 people may have died in custody under suspicious circumstances adds a grim dimension to the situation, highlighting the severity of the context in which these policies are being implemented. Bukele's government has responded to these accusations by defending the effectiveness of the state of emergency as a necessary measure to ensure the safety of the population. However, this argument has been criticized by the IACHR, which argues that official data on improvements in security are not sufficient to justify the extension of a state that suspends fundamental rights. The Commission has urged the government to repeal this measure, arguing that there is no longer a situation that justifies it. In a context where violence has been a latent problem in El Salvador for years, the government's response has been characterized by many as a frontal war against gangs. However, this war has led to a series of negative implications in terms of human rights, where state actions seem to have crossed ethical and legal lines. The IACHR has emphasized that security should not be achieved at the expense of citizens' rights. Furthermore, the government's reaction to the IACHR's criticisms suggests a disdain for international oversight. By labeling the report as "methodologically problematic," President Bukele has attempted to delegitimize the concerns raised, which could lead to diplomatic isolation and tensions with organizations advocating for human rights at the regional level. The situation in El Salvador is also set against a broader context of migration crisis in the region. On the same day that the IACHR report was released, a tragedy struck Mexico with the death of a Venezuelan child following the derailment of a train carrying migrants. This incident highlights the dangers and difficulties faced by individuals seeking a better life, many of whom are fleeing environments of violence and persecution in their home countries. This context underscores the urgent need to address the root causes of migration and violence in Central America, beyond repressive measures. The international community must pay attention to the conditions that drive people to leave their homes and seek refuge elsewhere, and work together with governments to find sustainable solutions. The growing number of migrants fleeing violence in Latin America, combined with reports of abuses in El Salvador, demands a coordinated response from the international community. It is imperative that human rights violations are addressed and that the protection of migrants is guaranteed, as they often become victims of a humanitarian crisis. The situation in El Salvador and the tragic death of the migrant child serve as reminders of the complexity of the challenges facing countries in the region. The pursuit of security and justice must not come at the expense of human rights, and it is the responsibility of all involved actors to work towards a future where the dignity and lives of every person are respected and protected.