In El Salvador, the tide of unchecked executive power is rising swiftly, threatening the fragile landscape of human rights. The ratification of an amendment to Article 248 of the Constitution on January 29, 2025, catalyzes a perilous reduction in civic engagement and debate over vital national issues. Ana Piquer from Amnesty International alarms, stating that this reform could instigate a dangerous path of constitutional changes devoid of public input or comprehensive review, further eroding human rights amidst an increasingly compromised judiciary.
Since May 2021, the ruling party has wielded its dominance over the legislative branch, enacting reforms that have severely obstructed justice, eliminated accountability frameworks, and suspended fundamental rights under an extensive state of emergency. These measures led to the arbitrary detention of over 84,000 individuals, laying bare the systematic dismantling of due process and fair trial rights.
The amendment’s eradication of the requirement for legislative approval through separate assemblies isolates citizens from pivotal constitutional processes. This shift not only opens the door for future rights violations but also establishes a systemic architecture of impunity, as highlighted by Piquer’s concerns about future laws favoring those in power, neglecting the populace’s interests.
Piquer emphasizes that constitutional changes should emerge from broad consensus, ensuring participatory mechanisms are in place for the public. The recent reform instead creates an avenue where self-serving interests overshadow rigorous discourse, disregarding the very rights it should safeguard, hence eclipsing the voice of the Salvadoran people.
Against this backdrop, it is imperative for the international community to keep a vigilant watch on developments in El Salvador, urging the government to halt any actions that threaten human rights or compromise the institutions designed to protect them.
El Salvador’s recent constitutional amendment threatens human rights by allowing rapid legislative changes without public consultation. With the ruling party consolidating power since May 2021, access to justice is increasingly obstructed. International vigilance is essential to prevent further erosions of rights and to uphold democratic institutions.
The recent constitutional amendment in El Salvador signifies a troubling march towards autocratic governance, eroding the very foundations of human rights. By eliminating checks and balances in the legislative process, the ruling party places vital civic engagement in jeopardy and sets a dangerous precedent for future reforms. Continuous international oversight is crucial to safeguarding the rights of Salvadorans in these tumultuous times.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
