• For our 2007 Progress Report, click here.

• See SHARE’s 25^th Anniversary Poster.

Over the weekend, many of us in the United States celebrated Independence Day. On this day, we remember the ideals of participatory democracy and basic human rights that formed the foundation of our country. In fact, we commemorate the most audacious of protests, the Declaration of Independence, as the birthday of our nation. For many of us, the Fourth of July is a reminder that we have both a right and a responsibility to be active citizens.

SHARE News readers are aware that violence in El Salvador has increased to levels reminiscent of what was experienced during the civil war.  According to recent data from the 2007 Census, about 61 murders occurred per 100,000 inhabitants. [i]   Colombia, a country in the midst of civil war, reports a rate of 38 murders per every 100,000 inhabitants, while the average worldwide is 14 murders. [ii]

Increased Levels of Politically Motivated Violence: Salvadoran authorities attribute most of the murders to common crime, including gang violence.  However, according to the Legal Department of the Archbishop in San Salvador, from the cases investigated by this office in 2007, only 31% of the homicides were attributed to gangs and common crime while 69% fit the profile of social "cleansing" and death squad types of crimes. [iii]    Three of the most illustrative cases are the murders of the following opposition activists in 2006:

What it is more troubling is the level of impunity with which these crimes are committed.  A study done by the UNDP-El Salvador using a sample of 20% of the total homicides committed in 2005, found that only 4% cases were prosecuted while 96% remained unsolved. Sadly, when the victims of violence were women, the impunity rate increased to 99%. [iv]

The pattern of violence that is detailed above indicates that the attacks are focusing on young male activists that are known in their community as members of the opposition. It would seem that these are convenient targets for such attacks, as their age allows authorities to attribute their murder to gang violence. Although assailants leave evidence to the contrary, this has frequently been the official position on such crimes.

Safety Factors for International Solidarity: As SHARE searches for the best way to accompany the people of El Salvador through this time of trial, we continue to be convinced that physical, moral, and spiritual accompaniment still play a key role. After careful consideration, we have determined that such issues need not alter a decision to come on delegation. In fact, this is the time in which your solidarity is most needed!

As stated above, the targets of violence tend to be young male Salvadoran activists. North Americans must take precautions to avoid appearing to be political operatives, but are unlikely to be targeted for such campaigns. In addition, SHARE's 27 years of experience comes to bear, and our connections and understanding of the country help to protect delegates from harm. Thus, if delegates feel they are able to follow the security measures we suggest, we invite them to come on delegation and accompany their sisters and brothers in El Salvador.

¡Victims of Violence in El Salvador!  -  ¡Presente!

¡International Solidarity!  -  ¡Presente!