The Origins of the War
Trinidad analyzes the causes that prompted the war.
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.
Causes of the War
Herlindo shares his view on the causes of the Salvadoran civil war and the general consequences that armed conflicts bring about.
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.
Harassment of Women by Paramilitaries
Patricia describes an episode in which women were treated aggressively in public by members of ORDEN.
Injured As A Child During Attack
Anibal describes an attack on his family in which his father and sister killed, and he and his mother were wounded.
Torture
Víctor describes being detained along with 18 other people and explains how they were tortured.
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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 First “Guinda”
Rufino describes the first time he was forced to leave home with his father in order to escape from the National Guard.
The Massacre of La Quesera
Damián describes the massacre of La Quesera, in San Vicente province.
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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.
The Mesa Grande Refugee Camp
Evangelina describes living conditions in the Mesa Grande refugee camp in Honduras.
Staying in El Salvador
Gregorio explains that he never chose to take refuge in a camp.
Refuge in Mesa Grande
Amanda decides to flee with her children to the Mesa Grande refugee camp in Honduras after her husband was killed in 1986.
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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.
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.
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.
Resettlement and the 1986 Invasion
Trinidad describes her experience of the 1986 “Desembarco” invasion in Arcatao, the involvement of a particular commander, and the resettlement process.
The “Desembarco”: Intervention of journalists
Evangelina describes the 1986 “Desembarco” invasion and massacre in Arcatao, and explains how the intervention of foreign journalists prevented killings of greater magnitude.
Refugee Experiences
Emeteria remembers the process of resettlement in Guarjila after returning from the Mesa Grande refugee camp in Honduras.
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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.
Importance of Historical Memory
Trinidad explains why historical memory is so important to avoiding the repetition of history.
Message to Other Countries
Juana urges governments around the world to prevent the destruction and pain caused by war.
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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.
Reparations and the Struggle Against Impunity
Rosa explains her opinions on economic reparations and the need to struggle against impunity.
The Importance of Exhumations
Isabel reflects on the importance of exhuming the remains of civil war victims.
Achieving Justice
Edwin speaks of various means of achieving justice for survivors of the armed conflict.
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