Democratic Backsliding: El Salvador's State of Emergency and Use of Violence

Abstract: El Salvador's state of emergency has been accompanied by widespread human rights violations and will result in long-term effects on the country's democracy. President Nayib Bukele has been working to expand his executive power since he won the presidential seat in 2019. The state of emergency accelerated his pursuit of consolidating power in the state, which has led to democratic backsliding. Moreover, the rapid erosion of civil liberties and physical integrity rights has expanded the gap that victims have towards accountability and protection from the excessive use of power. Nevertheless, there is still a ray of hope. International human rights activists have been paying close attention and have been documenting the abuses under the state of emergency. Victims of physical integrity abuse can seek support from the International Criminal Court.