In an alarming report released on Tuesday, Human Rights Watch (HRW) condemned the mass antigang campaign in El Salvador, which has resulted in the arrest of thousands of children since 2022. The report highlights severe human rights violations against children who have suffered abuse while in custody.

The arrest campaign, initiated in March 2022 as part of President Nayib Bukele's efforts to eradicate gangs from the country, has led to indiscriminate raids and the arrest of 3,319 minors. The raids primarily targeted low-income neighborhoods known for criminal activity, but many of those detained reportedly have no apparent connection to gang-related crimes. HRW emphasizes that these children are often targeted based on their physical appearance or socioeconomic background.

The disturbing report alleges that at least 60 children detained during the campaign have experienced abuse, including beatings, torture, and deprivation of food, healthcare, and contact with their families. Shockingly, some were even coerced into making false confessions. The report further states that authorities have taken minimal action to prevent beatings or sexual assaults by adult detainees.

HRW stresses that these children have become doubly victimized, first by gang members who abused them and then by security forces who detained and mistreated them. The long-term consequences of these experiences for the children are significant.

The report also sheds light on the flawed justice system in El Salvador, indicating that prison sentences have been handed out based on dubious evidence and a lack of due process. This has resulted in broad and lengthy sentences, ranging up to 12 years, for crimes that are broadly defined.

It is worth noting that President Bukele's aggressive approach to combating gang-related crimes has significantly reduced the country's homicide rate, leading to El Salvador being ranked as one of the safest countries in the Americas. This has earned him strong popular support, evident in his re-election with 85 percent of the vote in February.

In response to the report, HRW's Americas director, Juanita Goebertus, has called upon the Salvadoran government to put an end to the abusive practices employed in its antigang campaign. Goebertus emphasizes the need for a rights-respecting and effective policy that dismantles criminal gangs, addresses child recruitment, and provides children with protection and opportunities.

The plight of these children in El Salvador highlights the delicate balance between ensuring safety and protecting human rights. As discussions continue, it remains crucial to find comprehensive and compassionate solutions that prioritize the welfare of all individuals involved.