El Salvador introduces life imprisonment for juveniles: criticism from international organisations
The new law eliminates the possibility of early release from prison for serious crimes committed by juveniles, raising serious concerns about human rights and rehabilitation.
A controversial package of penal reforms promoted by President Nayib Bukele, which includes life imprisonment for minors, came into force in El Salvador on 26 April 2026.
The text introduces perpetual sentences for the crimes of murder - including feminicide - rape and membership of criminal gangs, considered terrorist groups, denying the right to parole or early release.
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However, organisations such as the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (Cidh) and Human Rights Watch (Hrw) denounce that such measures are incompatible with international constitutional standards.
According to the Cidh, 'the imposition of life imprisonment on children and adolescents is incompatible with inter-American jurisprudence, as it is disproportionate to the objective of rehabilitation'.
In the same vein, the ong Hrw states that the penal reform 'contradicts international standards, as sentences for juveniles should be substantially shorter and offer real opportunities for rehabilitation'.
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