In a recent report, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has exposed the alarming treatment of children in El Salvador's state of emergency crackdown on gangs. According to HRW, over 1,000 minors have been convicted of crimes since March 2022, with sentences ranging from two to 12 years. The NGO criticized the arrests, citing overly broad charges and insufficient evidence.

The report revealed that children were subjected to mistreatment, including torture, leading some to falsely confess their gang affiliation. HRW also highlighted the lack of protection for children from violence within detention centers, with dozens being isolated from their families for extended periods. The access to legal representation for these children was also severely limited.

El Salvador's President, Nayib Bukele, has implemented aggressive measures to combat gang violence, resulting in the arrest of more than 80,000 suspected gang members under the state of emergency. The country has seen a decline in its homicide rate, transforming it from one of the most dangerous in Latin America to one of the safest. Bukele's tough approach has garnered support, enabling him to secure a landslide re-election victory in February 2022.

However, the HRW report highlights the impact of these security policies on vulnerable communities, placing the burden on children who have suffered grave human rights violations. Juanita Goebertus, the director of HRW Americas, called for a change in the government's approach to prioritize the dismantling of criminal gangs, address child recruitment, and ensure the protection and opportunities for children.

The report by HRW follows recent findings by Salvadoran NGO Cristosal, which revealed that at least 176 children have been orphaned due to the death of a parent in custody. The organization also reported that a total of 261 adult detainees have died in jail since 2022.

Despite mounting criticism from human rights groups, President Bukele has dismissed calls to end the state of emergency. The government's commitment to its security-focused approach raises concerns about the ongoing welfare and rights of children caught in the crossfire of El Salvador's battle against gangs.