Summary
Many children in El Salvador have been left without parents due to mass arrests under a state of emergency aimed at reducing gang violence. Advocacy groups estimate that tens of thousands of children are affected, with many families having limited contact with detained relatives.
Key Facts
- The emergency decree in El Salvador started on March 27, 2022, to target gang violence.
- Over 90,000 people have been arrested under this state of emergency.
- Advocacy groups estimate that between 60,000 to 100,000 children have lost parental support.
- Sarita, a 16-year-old girl, has not seen her father since he was detained.
- Sarita's father is accused of "illegal associations" but has not been convicted of any crime.
- Some children have relatives or friends to care for them, but others do not.
- The arrests and detentions can lead to significant emotional and psychological stress for the children involved.
