The Soccer War
Clara recalls the Soccer War between El Salvador and Honduras, and staying behind with her children while her husband slept somewhere in the mountains.
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.
Origins of the Conflict
Damián reflects on the social inequality and social demands that led to the civil war, as well as rural organizing and the founding of the Union of Field Workers (UTC) in 1975.
Explore all videos in Chapter 1: Pre-war & The Origins of the War
Chapter 2: Rural Organizing & Repression
The 1970s saw escalating tensions and growing violence in El Salvador.
Aerial Bombings
Toribio describes an invasion and aerial bombing campaign that happened between 1980 and 1981.
Murders by Paramilitares
Pedro describes how members of ORDEN killed his uncle and another woman.
Attack During Religious Ceremony
Otilia remembers soldiers storming in during a religious ceremony and killing her brother.
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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.
22 Days of Hunger
Rosa describes a span of 22 days during the war during which she and her mom had no food to eat.
The Sumpul River massacre
Rufino remembers the efforts people made to cross the Sumpul River during the “May Guinda.”
Disappeared children
Hermelinda remembers losing her children during the “May Guinda,” and says she always wondered whether the military had taken them away.
Explore all videos in Chapter 3: The Years of "Guindas"
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.
Conditions of the La Virtud Refugee Camp
Maximina describes the harsh conditions experienced in the refugee camp at La Virtud, Honduras.
The Mesa Grande Refugee Camp
Lucía describes how people were organized at the Mesa Grande refugee camp and why she finally decided to return home.
Returning to Arcatao
Virginia describes life at the Mesa Grande refugee camp in Honduras, and her challenging trip back to Arcatao.
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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.
Captured by the National Guard
Maximina recalls being ill in a guerrilla hospital when she was captured, then taken away in a helicopter, threatened, and transported to San Salvador to be interrogated.
The “May Guinda”
Walter remembers being a guerrilla during the 1982 “May Guinda” and surviving alongside his comrades.
Joining the Guerrilla as a Cook
Carlota explains how she joined the guerrilla as a cook.
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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 “Desembarco”: International Support
Lidia describes her experience of the 1986 “Desembarco” invasion of Arcatao in detail, pointing out how the arrest of foreign journalists changed the course of events.
The 1986 “Desembarco” Invasion: Inside the ChurchPrimary tabs
Clara describes her experience of the 1986 invasion in Arcatao, during which town residents were locked inside the church.
Detained During Resettlement
While returning from Honduras to resettle Arcatao, Arminda and others were detained at a military detachment for fifteen days.
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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.
Historical Memory
Santiago points out the importance of historical memory as a valuable legacy for future generations.
Message to Other Countries
Juana urges governments around the world to prevent the destruction and pain caused by war.
The Peace Accords
Walter explains that combat between government forces and the guerrillas intensified during the negotiation of the Peace Accords.
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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.
The Importance of Exhumations
Isabel reflects on the importance of exhuming the remains of civil war victims.
A Message to the World
Eduardo calls out to all countries in the world with a message against war.
Demanding Justice
Dionisa demands justice and accountability for those who committed crimes.
Explore all videos in Chapter 8: The Struggle for Justice