Reasons for Organizing
Margarita shares her views on the inequality, poverty, and exclusion that led rural Salvadorans to organize.
Addressing human rights in the wake of human tragedy
The Unfinished Sentences Testimony Archive is composed of oral histories shared by 48 people who were residents of the community of Arcatao, in the department of Chalatenango, El Salvador, during the period of the Salvadoran civil war. More than 170 interview excerpts tell the story of the civil war from the perspective of people who experienced it first-hand. The testimonies are organized into thematic “Chapters” that focus on different aspects of the conflict in roughly chronological order.
Due to the nature of the experiences discussed in the testimonies, users may find the contents of the archive disturbing: topics include rape, torture, death, and severe hardship. On the other hand, the archive also features narratives of resilience, survival, and mutual assistance in triumphing over adversity.
Margarita shares her views on the inequality, poverty, and exclusion that led rural Salvadorans to organize.
Clara recalls the Soccer War between El Salvador and Honduras, and staying behind with her children while her husband slept somewhere in the mountains.
Edith describes her childhood and how household labor was divided among family members.
Explore all videos in Chapter 1: Pre-war & The Origins of the War
Patricia describes an episode in which women were treated aggressively in public by members of ORDEN.
Pedro describes growing up fatherless after soldiers killed his father.
Faustina remembers the daily exchanges with soldiers, which leads her to think they were not evil themselves but rather trained to do evil things.
Explore all videos in Chapter 2: Rural Organizing & Repression
Marta recounts how she and her family fled during the “May Guinda” and the hardships they faced.
Juana relates her difficult experience during the May Guinda, attempting to cross the Sumpul River with her four children.
Faustina remembers the death of her baby during the “May Guinda.”
Explore all videos in Chapter 3: The Years of "Guindas"
Lucía describes how people were organized at the Mesa Grande refugee camp and why she finally decided to return home.
Isidora recalls her experience in the Mesa Grande refugee camp in Honduras, describing how activities within the camp were divided up between people living there.
Evangelina describes living conditions in the Mesa Grande refugee camp in Honduras.
Explore all videos in Chapter 4: Refugee Experiences
Marta remembers her recruitment by the guerrilla at age 14 and describes her work as a medical worker within the organization.
Maximina remembers guerrilla commander Jesús Rojas and the help he provided to Arcatao.
Celestino tells the history of military repression and the early phase of armed resistance in Chalatenango leading up to the “Final Offensive” of 1981.
Explore all videos in Chapter 5: Guerrilla Experiences
Emeteria describes the process of resettlement in Guarjila, Chalatenango, and the dangers returnees faced due to landmines.
Celestino reflects on one of the most moving moments of his life – the resettlement of the community of San José Las Flores.
While returning from Honduras to resettle Arcatao, Arminda and others were detained at a military detachment for fifteen days.
Explore all videos in Chapter 6: Resettlement & the "Desembarco"
Trinidad explains the military did not fully abide by the Peace Accords during the resettlment process.
Esperanza analyzes the changes she saw in El Salvador following the Peace Accords.
Celestino remembers the process that led to the Peace Accords and why it was difficult for the guerrillas to agree to give up their arms.
Explore all videos in Chapter 7: Peace Accords & Post-War
Rosa explains her opinions on economic reparations and the need to struggle against impunity.
Rosa reflects on the importance of historical memory.
Eduardo calls out to all countries in the world with a message against war.
Explore all videos in Chapter 8: The Struggle for Justice