Causes of the War
Obdulio connects the origins of the war to the injustices that the Salvadoran government put its people through.
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.
Obdulio connects the origins of the war to the injustices that the Salvadoran government put its people through.
Herlindo shares his view on the causes of the Salvadoran civil war and the general consequences that armed conflicts bring about.
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
Pedro describes how members of ORDEN killed his uncle and another woman.
Faustina remembers the daily exchanges with soldiers, which leads her to think they were not evil themselves but rather trained to do evil things.
Alberto remembers when town inhabitants began to leave their homes as truckloads of soldiers arrived to Arcatao.
Explore all videos in Chapter 2: Rural Organizing & Repression
Toribio remembers how he and his family survived the 1982 “May Guinda”.
Rufino remembers the efforts people made to cross the Sumpul River during the “May Guinda.”
Hermelinda remembers losing her children and three other close relatives during the “May Guinda.”
Explore all videos in Chapter 3: The Years of "Guindas"
Rufino remembers when his family decided to flee towards a refugee camp in Honduras during a military operation called “El Carreño.”
Pedro describes his experience living in Mesa Grande, a refugee camp in Honduras, and shares his memories of resettling in Guarjila.
Virginia describes life at the Mesa Grande refugee camp in Honduras, and her challenging trip back to Arcatao.
Explore all videos in Chapter 4: Refugee Experiences
Santiago describes his experience of multiple military operations, the “May Guinda,” and the disappearance of children.
Rufino explains that he lost his hand during a training exercise with the guerrilla, but continued to serve as a combatant and bodyguard.
Edwin gives detailed testimony of his arrest and interrogation in Honduras.
Explore all videos in Chapter 5: Guerrilla Experiences
Lucía relates the challenges experienced as she and her family made the trip back home to San Antonio Los Ranchos after being refugees in Honduras.
Faustina narrates her experience during the 1986 invasion, during which people were intimidated, tortured, and killed by the military.
Esperanza describes the 1986 invasion in Arcatao, and relates how children were interrogated by the military.
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.
Juana urges governments around the world to prevent the destruction and pain caused by war.
Walter explains that combat between government forces and the guerrillas intensified during the negotiation of the Peace Accords.
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 comments on the importance of having the remains of her two grandmothers exhumed.
Eduardo calls out to all countries in the world with a message against war.
Explore all videos in Chapter 8: The Struggle for Justice