Reasons to Organize
Víctor reflects on the reasons that led people to organize.
Testimony Archive
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. Interviews were conducted during November 2013 through August 2014. 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.
Chapter 1: Pre-war & The Origins of the War
El Salvador’s civil war has its roots in the deeply unequal social structures established during the 16th century Spanish colonization of Central America.
Our Only Crime
Edwin explains how state respression of movements for change led to the decision to take up armed struggle.
Childhood
Edith describes her childhood and how household labor was divided among family members.
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Chapter 2: Rural Organizing & Repression
The 1970s saw escalating tensions and growing violence in El Salvador.
Massacres around Arcatao
Nelson tells about various massacres that took place around Arcatao.
Growing Up Fatherless
Pedro describes growing up fatherless after soldiers killed his father.
Disrespect for Human Rights by Armed Forces
Adán asserts that the Salvadoran Armed Forces did not respect human rights, mentioning the assassination of priests like Archbishop Romero.
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Chapter 3: The Years of "Guindas"
During the 1980s, thousands of people were displaced from their homes by violence in rural El Salvador.
The “May Guinda”
Toribio remembers how he and his family survived the 1982 “May Guinda”.
The “May Guinda”
Marta recounts how she and her family fled during the “May Guinda” and the hardships they faced.
Fleeing to Honduras
Arminda relates how her family migrated to Honduras and lived among the Honduran population.
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Chapter 4: Refugee Experiences
Faced with overwhelming violence, displaced populations faced difficult decisions about whether to leave El Salvador, and when to return. Some people sought safety elsewhere within the country.
Fleeing to Honduras
Rufino remembers when his family decided to flee towards a refugee camp in Honduras during a military operation called “El Carreño.”
Conditions of the La Virtud Refugee Camp
Maximina describes the harsh conditions experienced in the refugee camp at La Virtud, Honduras.
Migrating to Honduras
Edith describes living without shelter near the Honduran border and her family’s separation.
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Chapter 5: Guerrilla Experiences
Salvadorans who supported the guerrilla groups had a wide range of reasons for doing so, and varied experiences in the movement.
Hand Accident
Rufino explains that he lost his hand during a training exercise with the guerrilla, but continued to serve as a combatant and bodyguard.
Work of a Healthcare Worker
Margarita describes her work as a nurse in the Rama Caida camp.
Sent to Honduras
Edwin describes being sent by his superiors to do logistical work for the guerrilla in Honduras.
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Chapter 6: Resettlement & the "Desembarco"
Many Salvadorans returned from refugee camps in Honduras in the late 1980s, but faced continued repression upon their return. Refugees were stigmatized as guerrilla supporters.
The 1986 Invasion
Rosa relates her experience of the 1986 invasion, which took place shortly after she and her family had resettled in Arcatao.
The 1986 Invasion of Arcatao
Marta narrates her experience of the 1986 invasion of Arcatao, at a time when she was pregnant, and how her husband was killed by the military.
The “Carreño” and the “Desembarco”
Isabel remembers the 1986 invasion known as the “Desembarco” happened only a few days after the “El Carreño” military operation.
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Chapter 7: Peace Accords & Post-War
El Salvador’s civil war officially ended in 1992, but the country continues to experience deep divisions and ongoing issues of inequality, insecurity, violence, and lack of access to justice.
The Peace Accords
Trinidad explains the military did not fully abide by the Peace Accords during the resettlment process.
Importance of Historical Memory
Trinidad explains why historical memory is so important to avoiding the repetition of history.
The Peace Accords and the “Silent War”
Reflecting on the Peace Accords, Evangelina sees connections between the violence of yesterday and today.
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Chapter 8: The Struggle for Justice
Today, survivors of grave human rights violations committed during El Salvador’s civil war continue to struggle for truth and justice.
Historical Memory
Rosa reflects on the importance of historical memory.
Changing the System
Rosa explains her philosophy of struggle for social change.
Demanding Justice
Dionisa demands justice and accountability for those who committed crimes.
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