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El Salvador: News & Updates

El Salvador is the smallest and most densely populated country in Central America. The US-backed civil war, which erupted after the assassination of Archbishop Oscar Romero in 1980, lasted 12 years (1980-92), killing 70,000 people and forcing 20% of the nation’s five million people to seek refuge in the US.

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El Salvador is set to hold presidential and legislative elections amid concerns over human rights violations and a decline in the rule of law. President Bukele's actions have raised alarm, including unconstitutional re-election, concentration of power, and electoral reforms benefiting his party. The lack of checks and balances, threats to judicial independence, and changes in the voting system have fueled democratic backsliding. Concerns also surround institutional weaknesses, overseas voting clarity, and transparency issues. The international community is urged to defend democracy by supporting civic space, protecting electoral observation, restoring constitutional guarantees, and issuing recommendations to prevent abuses and ensure fair elections.

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A group of fourteen Members of Congress, led by Joaquin Castro and the leaders of the Progressive Caucus, expressed significant concerns to the U.S. Department of State about democratic backsliding and human rights violations in El Salvador. They highlighted worries about the upcoming February 4th elections, where President Nayib Bukele is running for an unconstitutional repeat term. The letter emphasized the Salvadoran constitution's prohibition on consecutive presidential terms and criticized Bukele's candidacy, enabled by judges appointed by his ruling party. The Members urged Secretary Blinken to take a stronger stance, denounce human rights violations, and restrict assistance to Salvadoran security forces. They also raised concerns about radical changes to the electoral system and lack of transparency in electronic voting. Human rights organizations in the U.S. echoed these concerns, emphasizing the potential impact on human rights, democracy, and the rule of law in El Salvador.

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In El Salvador, a significant environmental victory was achieved in 2017 when the government, influenced by local activists, banned gold and metal mining across the country. However, Pacific Rim, a multinational mining corporation, initiated an Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) case against El Salvador, a mechanism allowing corporations to sue governments for legislation impacting profits. Despite ISDS cases generally favoring corporations, El Salvador won in this instance.

The victory was attributed to the strength of Salvadorean civil society, particularly water defenders who campaigned against mining due to environmental and health concerns. Nevertheless, President Nayib Bukele, aligned with big business interests, has arrested five water defenders on dubious charges, reigniting the battle. Bukele, facing economic challenges after the crypto bubble burst, is considering overturning the mining ban, necessitating the neutralization of the water defenders' opposition.

Bukele gained popularity for addressing gang violence in the aftermath of El Salvador's civil war. However, critics argue that previous crackdowns failed to address underlying issues of poverty and structural violence. Bukele's heavy-handed approach, labeling himself "the coolest dictator in the world," has led to the criminalization of human rights activists and political opponents, including the water defenders.

Accused of being members of the FMLN and involvement in a murder during the civil war, the water defenders face unsubstantiated charges, prompting global condemnation. Experts and activists worldwide have called for dropping the case, citing political motivation, human rights violations, and threats to democracy. Local evidence suggests that farmers in mining areas are being approached for land leases, further emphasizing the conflict between local communities and multinational corporations exploiting natural resources. The situation underscores the challenges faced by campaigners globally in protecting communities from corporate exploitation amid a shifting global focus away from fossil fuels.

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Over the last 12 months, there have been 1,482 ICE removal flights, mostly to Latin America and the Caribbean. Notably, there is a focus on removal flights to countries like Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador, raising concerns about the impact on individuals' rights and well-being. Three-quarters of removal flights are to those three countries. 

The lack of access to asylum at ports of entry has led to distressing situations for asylum seekers. US lawmakers are considering stricter restrictions on asylum, jeopardizing the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals. The need for improving access to asylum and addressing the challenges faced by asylum seekers, especially women and children, is crucial. 

Read the full IRTF Migrant Justice Newsletter each month at https://www.irtfcleveland.org/blog .

 

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A Salvadoran woman, identified as Lilian, has been released from prison after more than seven years, where she was serving a 30-year sentence for having an abortion. Lilian gave birth to a baby in 2015, who suffered health complications and died three days later. El Salvador has a strict anti-abortion law with a total ban, and Lilian was accused of negligence and aggravated murder for allegedly not taking care of the fetus. Lilian, who maintained her innocence, was released based on her vulnerable situation in the hospital. The country's abortion ban, in place since 1998, does not have exemptions for cases of rape or health risks for the mother. Campaign groups continue to advocate for women's reproductive rights, emphasizing the need for justice. Despite calls for change, President Nayib Bukele has no intention of altering the current abortion law, reflecting the influence of the predominantly Roman Catholic and Evangelical population in the country.

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This report explains how issuances of Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are an effective tool to mitigate the effects of the multiple crises that Latin American and Caribbean countries currently face. SDRs are among the most important alternative financing mechanisms available within the international monetary system, as they can generate new resources without increasing debt levels. Untapped for decades, recent issuances in 2009 — to address the effects of the global recession — and in 2021 — to help countries respond to the COVID-19 pandemic — reintroduced SDRs as a powerful instrument for addressing global emergencies. However, the scale of their impact could be much more significant.

The current context, marked by the climate crisis, economic stagnation, and rising external debt burdens, calls for a strong, coordinated, and global response by the international community. So far, however, the response has failed to meet these challenges sufficiently or adequately. Given these circumstances, a new SDR issuance becomes not only relevant but also necessary for ensuring that countries of the Global South receive the financial support required for climate change adaptation and mitigation, as well as for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In order to achieve further issuances of SDRs, a coordinated push by Latin American and Caribbean countries, together with other countries and organizations in the Global South, is essential.

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The implications of the Monroe Doctrine in Mexico, Central America, and Honduras, highlighting the failures of US policies like the Merida Initiative and drug war strategies. It emphasizes the devastating impact on these regions, resulting in violence, human rights abuses, and corruption. The focus is on adopting new paradigms, shifting away from punitive drug policies to prioritize human well-being, domestically and internationally. It also sheds light on the US influence in Honduras, pointing out interventions, support for corrupt regimes, and obstructing reforms. Furthermore, it addresses immigration, stressing the need for a humane approach rather than militarization. Recommendations include investigating DEA activities, reforming drug policies, anti-militarism measures, non-interference in Honduran affairs, and prioritizing human rights in immigration reforms.

 
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Beatriz's case, before the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, reflects El Salvador's stringent anti-abortion laws. Denied the termination of her pregnancy despite grave health risks, Beatriz's plea was rejected by the Salvadoran Supreme Court, citing the child's rights over the mother's. Eventually, after intervention from the IACHR, a delayed cesarean section led to the baby's death and worsened Beatriz's health. This case symbolizes the repercussions of El Salvador's severe abortion restrictions, especially affecting marginalized women. Despite hope for justice, the country's political landscape remains staunchly against abortion rights. Similar challenges have been seen in Manuela's case, where the IACHR ruled in her favor posthumously. The government's resistance to acknowledging these violations showcases its alignment with conservative factions. This stance, influenced by international right-wing groups, reflects a growing regression on abortion rights in El Salvador.

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Border security continues to be a hot button issue in Congress. And some congressional leaders are holding hostage other non-border issues because of their tough stance on immigration and desire to gut US asylum law. 

In last month’s newsletter, we shared an article about a one-page document that three Republican senators submitted to President Biden on November 6, summarizing the border and migration proposals they demand to include in the supplemental budget request that the president is submitting for the war in Ukraine, Israel/Gaza, and the US-Mexico border. The draconian measures include: ban asylum access for people who did not cross the border at ports of entry; ban asylum access for people who pass through other countries without seeking asylum there; heighten eligibility standards to pass a credible fear interview; expand migrant detention (including families and children); restrict temporary humanitarian parole.

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) and Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) responded in a combined letter on December 14, denouncing that: “Republicans continue to hold funding for America’s allies hostage at the expense of migrants and to pass Trump-era border policies.”

Articles in this monthly newsletter: 1) ICE Air: update on removal flight trends. 2) How US Policy Toward Latin America Has Fueled Historic Numbers of Asylum Seekers. 3) WOLA Urges Congress to Protect Asylum and Update Obsolete Border Policies. 4) At the Border: Recent Incidents. 5) Governor Abbott Signs Law to Arrest Anyone in Texas without Immigration Papers.

See the Take Action items listed at the bottom of this newsletter. Our advocacy is needed to maintain some modicum of humanity in the nation’s immigration system and to address root causes of migration.  1) Stop Border Militarization. 2) Take Action Now Against Extreme Asylum Restrictions.  3) Help Migrants and Refugees in Cleveland. 


Read the full IRTF Migrant Justice Newsletter each month at https://www.irtfcleveland.org/blog .

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