Accountability and Human Rights

The Salvadoran peace process, fostered and shepherded by the United Nations, has been unique in the central place afforded human rights. A comprehensive human rights accord signed in July 1990 was a stepping-stone on the path to a broader agreement, and set the stage for United Nations verification of the peace process. The final peace accord itself signed in early 1992 included many provisions with a direct bearing on human rights. The agreement made provision for an Ad Hoc Commission to purge the armed forces of abusive and corrupt officers and established a Commission on the Truth to investigate past abuses. The accord abolished two repressive security forces, mandated the creation of a new National Civilian Police, and contained suggestions to reform and de-politicize the judicial system. While many aspects of implementation of the peace accord remain in question, the accord itself is a stunning document, addressing many of the root causes of the conflict and establishing concrete mechanisms for change.