Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002186/2025
to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
Rule 144
Leire Pajín (S&D), Sandro Ruotolo (S&D), Alicia Homs Ginel (S&D), Carla Tavares (S&D), Elena Sancho Murillo (S&D), Marta Temido (S&D), Marco Tarquinio (S&D), Hana Jalloul Muro (S&D), Javi López (S&D), Nikos Papandreou (S&D), Ana Miranda Paz (Verts/ALE)
Recent actions taken by government authorities in El Salvador seriously undermine the rule of law and put the defence of human rights and democracy at risk. In recent weeks, there have been a number of incidents, including an increase in the violent repression of peaceful demonstrations, arrests of leaders of local social organisations and prominent human rights defenders, as well as attacks on, and threats against, journalists. These attacks on civil society are occurring under the emergency regime, which has been in force for more than three years and maintains the suspension of fundamental constitutional rights in the country.
On 18 May 2025, the arrest of the lawyer and human rights defender, Ruth Eleonora López, led to a statement by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and the resignation of the Presidential Commissioner for Human Rights and Freedom of Expression.
Yesterday, the Legislative Assembly of El Salvador approved the Foreign Agents Law, which will further restrain the actions of NGOs.
- 1.What actions is the VP/HR taking to defend democracy, justice and fundamental freedoms in El Salvador and to urge the authorities to uphold their international human rights commitments?
- 2.What is the VP/HR’s assessment of the approval of the Foreign Agents Law, its relationship with EU funding and its impact on NGOs and civil society activities?
Submitted: 2.6.2025