The EU-LAT Network expresses its deep concern over the rapid deterioration of the rule of law and civic space in El Salvador, which poses a serious threat to human rights defence and democratic functioning in the country.
In recent weeks, an already critical context for Salvadoran society has worsened, marked by growing social discontent and an increasingly hostile government response towards local leaders, civil society organisations, and independent media.
Against this backdrop, the recent adoption of the Foreign Agents Law (20 May) and the detention of human rights defender Ruth Eleonora López (since 18 May) represent a deeply alarming turning point in the ongoing erosion of the rule of law and human rights in El Salvador.
The EU-LAT Network urges the European Union, the embassies of EU Member States, and the international community to demand that the Salvadoran government provide information on the whereabouts of Ruth Eleonora López and ensure guarantees for her physical integrity, her right to adequate legal defence, and respect for the principle of the presumption of innocence. At the same time, we call on them to reject the Foreign Agents Law and to urge the Salvadoran authorities to end the repression of civil society and the independent press, and to uphold their human rights commitments.
In this context, we believe it is of utmost importance for the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy to issue a public statement reaffirming the EU’s commitment to protecting civic space in El Salvador and across the region.
Read our full statement here
