Human Rights and Emergencies

CIS solidarity work has always been present for those most vulnerable and especially in times of great need.   We are flexible and agile enough to respond to human rights and natural disaster emergencies and their impact on the communities where we work.  As a result of the accompaniment during emergencies, CIS work has expanded to new communities or strengthened organizational work in the existing network of CIS communities.   We are currently in need of resources and support in a new and serious emergency.

CIS Emergency Fund: Response to the Humanitarian Emergency created by the suspension of due process, presumption of innocence, and other human rights in El Salvador 2022/2023    

Since the suspension of human rights and due process in March 2022 in the government’s so-called war on gangs, the CIS has been present. Since CIS works with El Salvador’s most vulnerable communities, we are not immune to the impacts of the suspension of rights.  This even impacted one of our staff persons who was arbitrarily arrested because of where he lives.

We have focused an effort on Isla El Espiritu Santo since it is a community where gangs do not exist and 25 people have been unjustly arrested.  The families on the Island have worked with CIS for 24 years, and we have a relationship of trust.

The same families have lived on the island for 40 years and are organized and willing to speak out. Isla Espiritu is an important example because with CIS support the people have been able to speak out. Because of the stigmatization and threats, other communities and individuals who do not have a support network are fearful of speaking out.   

The CIS work has accomplished in the last year:

• Legal support which has resulted in the release of 9 persons from prison of the 30 cases we have taken on. This includes hiring a lawyer and CIS staff working on collecting sworn statements, testimonies, financial records, legal records, and other documents to prove innocence.   In addition to the 30 cases we have taken on, we provide legal advice to numerous other cases. 

• CIS articles and links with the media have been instrumental in breaking the silence.  As CIS opened the space publishing testimonies, other organizations and individuals have begun to do so.  Some of the stories have gone viral and have contributed to the release of prisoners. 

• CIS has facilitated contacts, information, and interviews for several main media outlets in the United States (New Yorker, American Magazine, New York Times), England (Telegraph), Spain (El Pais), Holland (de Volkstkrant), Chile (CVH Noticias), and others.  The CIS also has daily coordination with Salvadoran media outlets including La Prensa Grafica, El Diario de Hoy, Diario CoLatino, El Faro, Focos, Brujala, Tim’s Blog, and others which have resulted in dozens of articles and breaking the media black out on the reality of the suspension of rights.  

• CIS coordinates with Socorro Juridico Humanitario and CRISTOSAL for legal support, Habeas Corpus filings, testimonies, and international human rights bodies.   

• The CIS coordinates closely with the Government’s Procurator for the Defense of Human Rights and facilitates transportation and logistics for communities to report cases.  

• We work with CRISTOSAL on human rights analysis and courses for community leaders and psychological support to families and victims who are released. 

• Food and emergency packets to families for transport and support to persons whose freedom has been taken away.  Most innocents who are arrested are the breadwinners for the family.

• Integration packets to persons freed from prison:   shampoo, soap, deodorant, backpack, phone, notebook, pens, feminine products for women, and other necessities.

• Delegation visits to hear first-hand testimony from families and survivors of the arbitrary detentions.