Summary of Amnesty International’s Statement on Constitutional Reforms in El Salvador
This statement from Amnesty International expresses deep concern over recent constitutional reforms in El Salvador, specifically changes to Article 248. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
Weakened Checks and Balances: the reforms removed the requirement for constitutional amendments to be ratified by two legislative assemblies, significantly reducing public engagement and weakening oversight.
Concentration of Power: Amnesty International believes these changes concentrate power in the executive branch, increasing the risk of human rights violations and future reforms implemented without public input.
Pattern of Authoritarianism: The organization identifies a pattern of authoritarian practices as the ruling party gained control of the Legislative Assembly in 2021, characterized by fast-tracked, opaque reforms.
Erosion of Rights & Judicial Independence: These reforms have eroded judicial independence,eliminated accountability mechanisms,and led to the suspension of basic rights under a prolonged state of emergency.
Arbitrary Detention: Human rights defenders are being arbitrarily detained for expressing dissent. Amnesty International has designated individuals like Ruth López, Alejandro Henríquez, and José Ángel Pérez as prisoners of conscience.
Violation of Participation Rights: The reforms violate the right to participate in public affairs and freedom of expression.
Call to Action: Amnesty International urges the Salvadoran state to:
Reverse the measures closing civic space.
Stop stigmatizing and criminalizing dissent.
Fulfill its international human rights obligations.* International Monitoring: The organization calls on the international community to closely monitor the situation, demand compliance with human rights obligations, support human rights defenders, and advocate for the release of those unjustly detained.
In essence, Amnesty International views these constitutional changes as a risky step towards authoritarianism in El Salvador, severely impacting human rights and democratic processes.
