Human Rights Violations in El Salvador

SOURCE www.nbcnews.com
More than 60 children in El Salvador have been arbitrarily detained, tortured, and beaten since the government declared a state of emergency over two years ago to combat gangs, according to a report by Human Rights Watch.

Key Points

  • Over 60 children have been arbitrarily detained, tortured, and beaten in El Salvador since the state of emergency declaration.
  • Children subjected to severe ill-treatment and torture in detention.
  • Authorities coerced children into making false confessions and deprived them of adequate food, healthcare, and contact with their families.
  • Arrests appeared to be based on physical appearance and socioeconomic conditions rather than credible evidence.
  • Over 1,000 minors sentenced to terms of up to 12 years in trials with dubious evidence and lack of due process.