The implementation of the El Salvador Peace Agreements from the victims' perspective

Abstract

The armed conflict in El Salvador in the 1980s resulted in thousands of civilian casualties. The war ended through a negotiation process that was consolidated with the signing of the Peace Agreement between the FMLN guerrillas and the Salvadoran government in Chapultepec, Mexico. The main objectives of the Agreement, in addition to the ceasefire, the democratisation of the country and guaranteeing full respect of human rights, included the reconciliation of society. This article aims to reflect from an ethical viewpoint on the shortcomings and opportunities of the Peace Agreement with a critical review of its implementation. The analysis is based on a dialogue with innocent victims of the political violence perpetrated by both sides.