Press Releases

WASHINGTON—Congressman James P. McGovern, Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee and Co-Chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, released this statement at the conclusion of a congressional delegation to San Salvador, El Salvador:

“I was deeply honored to join in commemorating the legacy of the six Jesuit priests, their housekeeper and her daughter who were murdered in cold blood 35 years ago by US-backed troops in San Salvador, El Salvador. Back then, as an aide to Congressman Joe Moakley, I played a role in helping uncover the gruesome truth of what happened," said Congressman McGovern

Watch McGovern's Remarks Here.

“I believe America must be a voice for human rights in the world—and that we have a special obligation to help make things right in places like El Salvador, where we so clearly failed to live up to our ideals.

“President Bukele’s ‘state of exception’ which he purportedly imposed to go after criminal gangs is in fact being used to target trade unions, political opponents, journalists and civil society groups. There is nothing wrong with wanting to address gang violence or hold criminals accountable—but a state of exception with no due process where innocent people end up dying in custody is unjust and wrong.

“I met with many who are being targeted for doing legitimate, peaceful work, and I had emotional meetings with grieving family members of people who have died in prison because of President Bukele’s harsh crackdowns—their brothers and sons were rounded up with no evidence and no due process, no trial, nothing. The level of fear, intimidation and self-censorship is comparable to what it was during the war years.  Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of Salvadorans face shocking levels of hunger and poverty. El Salvador’s economy continues to suffer—businesses don’t want to invest in countries that imprison tens of thousands of their own people and ignore the rule of law. As we know all too well, authoritarian regimes and economic stagnation drive migrants out in search of a better life—often to our southern border.

“I urge my government to take these concerns seriously and to work with our allies and the Salvadoran government to correct course by restoring full respect and protection for all human rights in El Salvador.”