SAN SALVADOR — El Salvador has the highest incarceration rate in the world, with nearly 2% of its population behind bars, according to a report presented Wednesday by the Human Rights Institute of the Central American University (IDHUCA) and other non-governmental organizations.
The report, released at a press conference in San Salvador on the eve of the third anniversary of the country’s State of Exception, revealed that 115,605 people are currently deprived of liberty in El Salvador.
El Salvador, with a population of 6,029,976, holds the world’s highest incarceration rate, jailing 1,917 people per 100,000 residents. This total includes both adults and minors.
The Bukele government launched the State of Exception in late March 2022, during which more than 86,000 individuals were arrested under the government’s controversial security measure.
Human rights organizations have repeatedly criticized the measure, citing mass arbitrary arrests, overcrowded prisons, and alleged abuses by security forces.
IDHUCA and other advocacy groups urged the government to end the State of Exception. They contend that while the security measure has decreased crime, it has also resulted in numerous abuses of human rights.
“We cannot ignore the severe consequences of this approach,” declared Gabriela Santos, IDHUCA representatives during the press conference. “El Salvador cannot continue to rely on mass incarceration as the primary tool for public security.”
The Bukele administration defends the harsh security measure, crediting it with lowering the country’s homicide rate and dismantling the once powerful gangs, MS13 and Barrio 18.
Government officials argue that the crackdown has restored peace and security to communities that for decades were plagued by gang violence.
As El Salvador hits three years under the State of Exception, people remain deeply divided over the country’s security strategy.
Government supporters are happy with the administration’s tough approach to crime, but human rights groups contend that real security solutions must respect fundamental rights and the rule of law.
Despite growing concerns, authorities show no signs of ending the policy anytime soon.
