El Salvador Faces Humanitarian Crisis Amid Extreme Weather and Inequality

El Salvador is grappling with a severe humanitarian crisis, with an estimated 1,119,198 people, representing 18% of the population, in urgent need of assistance. The Central American nation is confronting a perfect storm of extreme weather events, human mobility challenges, and economic hardships, further compounded by deep-rooted structural inequalities, widespread food insecurity, and pervasive gender-based violence.

Why this matters: The crisis in El Salvador has far-reaching implications for regional stability and global efforts to address climate change, migration, and human rights. If left unchecked, the humanitarian crisis could lead to further destabilization in the region, increased migration to other countries, and a deterioration of living conditions for vulnerable populations.

The unfolding crisis has left a staggering 1,044,895 Salvadorans facing moderate to severe food insecurity, classified as Phase 3 or worse on the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) scale. The poorest households in the country's Dry Corridor region are resorting to desperate measures to survive, such as reducing meal portions, borrowing food, and relying on the generosity of family and friends. The looming specter of El Niño is expected to further exacerbate the dire situation for these vulnerable populations.

Human mobility has emerged as another critical dimension of the crisis. Between October 2022 and September 2023, U.S. authorities intercepted 62,846 Salvadorans attempting to cross the border. Meanwhile, Mexico reported 5,033 asylum applications from Salvadoran nationals as of September 2023. In a worrying trend, the number of Salvadorans returned from the United States and Mexico surged by 70% in 2022 compared to the previous year, reaching 14,437. Economic factors, family reunification, and insecurity are cited as the primary drivers propelling people to flee their homes.

Gender-based violence remains a pervasive and complex issue in El Salvador, fueled by entrenched gender inequalities. While cases of femicide have decreased, other forms of violence against women persist at alarming levels. The Attorney General's Office reported a 13% increase in sexual violence cases between June 2022 and May 2023, while incidents of psychological and patrimonial violence rose by 10% and 19%, respectively, during the same period.

The humanitarian response to the multifaceted crisis requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the immediate needs of the affected populations. This includes ensuring access to food, specialized nutrition, emergency health services, clean water and sanitation, shelter, education, and protection systems. Survivors of gender-based violence and other forms of abuse urgently require appropriate assistance and support tailored to their specific circumstances.

El Salvador's current humanitarian crisis is unfolding against a backdrop of a painful history marked by violence and impunity. The country's 12-year civil war, which ended in 1992, claimed the lives of over 75,000 people and left deep scars on the nation's collective psyche. Massacres, such as the one at the Sumpul River in 1980, where more than 600 civilians were killed by the military, serve as stark reminders of the atrocities committed during the conflict. Despite calls for justice and reparations, many of those responsible for war crimes have evaded accountability, with some high-ranking military officials seeking to avoid prosecution.

As El Salvador grapples with the daunting challenges posed by the humanitarian crisis, the international community must rally to support the country's most vulnerable populations. Urgent action is needed to address the immediate needs of those affected by extreme weather, displacement, food insecurity, and violence, while also tackling the underlying structural inequalities that perpetuate the cycle of suffering. Only through a concerted effort to provide comprehensive assistance, protect human rights, and promote sustainable development can El Salvador begin to chart a path towards a more stable and equitable future for all its citizens.

Key Takeaways

• 1.1 million people in El Salvador need urgent assistance due to extreme weather, mobility, and economic crises.
• 1 million Salvadorans face moderate to severe food insecurity, with many resorting to desperate measures.
• 62,846 Salvadorans attempted to cross the US border, and 14,437 were returned in 2022, driven by economic factors and insecurity.
• Gender-based violence persists, with a 13% increase in sexual violence cases and 10% rise in psychological violence.
• Comprehensive humanitarian response and international support are needed to address immediate needs and underlying structural inequalities.