Re-conceptualization of violence in the Northern Triangle

Type: PDF Size: 4Mb Published: January 25, 2017

The Heinrich Böll Foundation has formed the Network of Civil Society Organizations of the Northern Triangle of Central America, as a space for analysis, reflection and contribution among organizations in Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, with specialized knowledge on the issue of violence and insecurity in the region. The book “Re-conceptualization of violence in the Northern [...]

Fostering local entrepreneurship as a violence prevention method in El Salvador

Violence and crime have a direct relationship with the limitations caused by socio-economic inequality, exclusion and weak public institutions. When large groups of society cannot find employment and educational opportunities, which are necessary to ensure an income for the survival of their family, then other forms of income generation begin to gain strength. In that [...]

Entrepreneurship and productive capacity-building with at-risk youth in El Salvador

The districts of Nueva Concepción and Ilopango share two particular characteristics. Both towns are located in the midst of breathtaking water landscapes: the Lempa River and the Ilopango Lake. And although they are surrounded by peaceful scenarios, both Nueva Concepción and Ilopango, are located in one of the countries with the highest homicide rates in [...]

Bridging gaps: Interpeace and the reduction of violence in El Salvador

Type: PDF Size: 3Mb Published: December 29, 2014 Author: Otto Argueta and Arnoldo Gálvez

Otto Argueta and Arnoldo Gálvez reflect on Interpeace’s contribution to the process of violence reduction in El Salvador.

20th Anniversary Journal No. 3

Type: PDF Size: 7Mb Published: September 1, 2014

No. 3/September-December 2014 This is the third edition of Interpeace’s Anniversary Journal produced and published by Interpeace’s Latin America Office. It features an interview with Max Loria and overview of the evolution of the peacebuilding field and reflections on Interpeace’s inclusive approach in El Salvador.

Interpeace experts contribute to Accord publication

Interpeace experts contribute to the Accord review of peace initiatives on Legitimacy and peace processes from coercion to consent. Ana Glenda Tager, Isabel Umaña and Bernardo Arévalo de León discuss the truce between the two main gangs in El Salvador reached in March 2012. Levels of gang violence were comparable with war zones, with a [...]

Ilopango, one year later

Type: PDF Size: 3Mb Published: May 7, 2014

This case study analyzes the changes that happened in Ilopango after it was declared a ‘town free of violence.’ It was the first town to join the transformation process that was started by the truce between the two major gangs in El Salvador in March 2012.

Youth network established to improve regional communication

Thirty-five youths from Central America took part in a workshop hosted by Interpeace’s Central American Youth Programme. The workshop, which was held in Copan Ruinas, Honduras, invited young people from Interpeace’s network across the region. This included participants from Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua. Additionally, youth associated with Soleterre, a new partner of Interpeace, [...]

Interpeace hosts practice briefing on gang truce in El Salvador

Earlier this month, Interpeace and the Geneva Peacebuilding Platform organized a practice briefing on the gang truce in El Salvador. The event, moderated by Interpeace Director-General Scott M. Weber, included insights from Isabel Aguilar Umaña, Director of Interpeace’s Central America Youth Programme, and Raúl Mijango, a truce facilitator from El Salvador. Scott began the discussion [...]

Inauguration of the Humanitarian Foundation offices in El Salvador

El Salvador, like its neighbouring countries of Central America’s ‘Northern Triangle,’ suffers from one of the highest homicide rates in the world. Drug trafficking and criminal gangs are usually considered the main culprits of this preoccupying state of affairs and the heavy-handed policies that were implemented in response have had short-lived success at best. Violence [...]

Violentas y violentadas

Type: PDF Size: 2Mb Published: May 15, 2013

The Interpeace Regional Office for Central America released the report Violent and Abused as the culmination of a study that examines the experiences with violence and subordination that are common to women who are both members of gangs and who are associated with gangs as girlfriends, wives, or family members of gang members. The research [...]

Replicating the Salvadoran gang truce?

In March 2012, the heads of the two largest gangs operating in El Salvador, Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) and Barrio 18, established a truce, agreeing to end hostilities and pledging to reduce the number of homicides. In October, Ana Glenda Tager Rosado, Interpeace Regional Director for Central America, participated in a forum on ‘Improving Security in [...]

Innovative policy recommendations for violence prevention

The Central American region is one of the most dangerous areas of the world. Reports of gangs and youth-related violence continue to make the headlines. Violence is endemic and seems to be deeply-rooted within the societies of Central America. Young people are particularly at risk as victims as well as perpetrators of violence. Governments often [...]

Interpeace launches ‘Building a future of peace: A comprehensive set of policy proposals for the prevention of youth violence in El Salvador’

With violent crime on the increase for the last 15 years, El Salvador is at a crossroads. There is now an urgent need for preventative policies to address youth and youth gang-related violence in the country. Interpeace releases ‘Building a future of peace: a comprehensive set of policy proposals for the prevention of youth violence [...]

Construyendo un futuro de paz

Type: PDF Size: 2Mb Published: May 2, 2011

‘Building a Future of Peace: a Comprehensive Set of Policy Proposals for the Prevention of Youth Violence in El Salvador’ is the second in a series of policy documents focused on developing contructive, lasting solutions to the issue of youth violence. This document marks the culmination of a multi-sector dialogue process which saw the participation [...]