On 15 March 1993 the UN-appointed Truth Commission published its report, “From Madness to Hope”, documenting massive human rights violations by government forces during the civil war between 1980 and 1992, as well as a smaller number of abuses by the Farabundo Marti Liberation Front (FMLN). This document examines the Truth Commission’s report, and the General Amnesty Law for the Consolidation of Peace which was presented to the Legislative Assembly by a pro-government party within hours of the report’s publication, and ratified seven days later, despite widespread opposition. Amnesty International’s concerns and recommendations are set out, including calls for the implementation of the Truth Commission’s own recommendations, and the immediate repeal of the amnesty law.
