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.
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.
Clara recalls the Soccer War between El Salvador and Honduras, and staying behind with her children while her husband slept somewhere in the mountains.
Cástulo shares his thoughts on the causes of the war, the injustices and oppression he witnessed, and how that fueled political organization.
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
Nelson explains he was arrested for disobeying orders by the army to participate in paramilitary patrols.
Celestino explains that the paramilitaries were the harshest forces during the war.
Alberto narrates how his older brother, who was mentally ill, died during a military operation.
Explore all videos in Chapter 2: Rural Organizing & Repression
Rufino remembers the efforts people made to cross the Sumpul River during the “May Guinda.”
Juana relates her difficult experience during the May Guinda, attempting to cross the Sumpul River with her four children.
Virginia narrates how she fled from military operations with her children and recounts the day her nine-year-old son died, and she was unable to bury him.
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.”
Maximina describes the harsh conditions experienced in the refugee camp at La Virtud, Honduras.
Isabel describes the difficulties of life in the Mesa Grande refugee camp in Honduras.
Explore all videos in Chapter 4: Refugee Experiences
Santiago describes his experience of multiple military operations, the “May Guinda,” and the disappearance of children.
Maximina describes the operation that led to the Zapote massacre, in which her pregnant sister and Commander Jesús Rojas died.
Maximina explains her sister’s and her role in the guerrilla during the armed conflict.
Explore all videos in Chapter 5: Guerrilla Experiences
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.
Clara describes her experience of the 1986 invasion in Arcatao, during which town residents were locked inside the church.
Damián describes the resettlement process beginning in 1987, during which communal cooperation was an important element.
Explore all videos in Chapter 6: Resettlement & the "Desembarco"
Trinidad explains why historical memory is so important to avoiding the repetition of history.
Juana urges governments around the world to prevent the destruction and pain caused by war.
Reflecting on the Peace Accords, Evangelina sees connections between the violence of yesterday and today.
Explore all videos in Chapter 7: Peace Accords & Post-War
Rosa reflects on the importance of historical memory.
Isabel reflects on the importance of exhuming the remains of civil war victims.
Berta relates how her youngest son died and describes her wish for his prompt exhumation.
Explore all videos in Chapter 8: The Struggle for Justice