At a glance

High rates of gender-based violence against women are alarming and the country remains one the most dangerous places in the world for women. Abortion under all circumstances is prohibited and women and girls are often detained and convicted for homicide after illegally aborting, even when their lives depended on the abortion. El Salvador also has one of the highest homicide rates worldwide, due in particular to corruption and impunity. To combat this high levels of crime, law enforcement and prison staff often use torture, including against vulnerable people such as street children and those from broken families. The trafficking of women and children for sexual exploitation and other purposes is another challenge that El Salvador faces when it comes to implementing its international commitments. Widespread impunity is one of the main reasons why torture has not been eradicated. The OMCT and its SOS-Torture Network are very active in the region. They report on death threats against human rights defenders and call for prompt investigations on murder cases.

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Name: The World Organisation Against Torture
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El Salvador

At a glance

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