The Legacy Project: Central America: Organizations

The following organizations, based in Central America, are committed to documenting or reconciling their countries' traumatic pasts or shaping a more peaceful and just present. We met with many of these organizations while on our scouting trip.

El Salvador

CDHES: "The main objectives of the Commission are: (1) to promote the obvervance and respect for human rights; (2) to defend victims of human rights violations and struggle to bring to justice those responsible for these abuses; (3) to denounce the human rights violations to the national and international communities; (4) to promote and coordinate activities aimed at preventing human rights abuses; (5) to inform the Salvadoran people about their fundamental rights, and to monitor the implementation of international human rights treaties and accords signed by the Salvadoran government." (No website.)

COMADRES: Formed in 1977, when forced disappearances occurred with an increasing frequency, this organization provided a support and advocacy base for family members of the disappeared. Today, it still actively pursues more than 4,000 disappeared, while promoting the larger cause of human rights, economic justice, and trauma treatment.

Pro-Busqueda: Another association of Salvadoran families, similar in scope and mission to COMADRES. In addition, provides regional support throughout Central America, working in particular with Guatemalan organizations. Some info in English.

Guatemala

CALDH: A legal assistance organization in support of human rights in Guatemala. Operates different programs devoted to the indigenous population, women, and youth, along with one focused on the broader issue of justice and reconciliation. Website only in Spanish.

CDHG PDH: La Procuraduria de los Derechos Humanos is an organization focused specifically on public defense, to ensure the protection of human rights in Guatemala. Website exclusively in Spanish.

Myrna Mack Foundation: "The Myrna Mack Foundation, established in 1993, focuses on the elaboration of studies and proposals that promote the fight against impunity, the construction of rule of law in Guatemala and for the consolidation of peace and democracy."

ODHAG: The Guatemalan archbishop's office on human rights has played a major part in reshaping Guatemalan society in the pursuit of justice and peace, particularly through the research and publication of Guatemala: Nunca Mas.

PAVA Foundation: The Aid Program for Highland Communities looks to achieve long-term sustainable development in Mayan villages and towns throughout Guatemala, with a focus on infrastructure, technology, environment, and education.

Rigoberta Menchu Foundation: Established by the Nobel Prize winner, this organization is devoted to indigenous rights and education, human rights in general, and civic activism.

Honduras

CODEH: One of the major human rights organizations in Honduras, with a particular emphasis on the documentation and investigation of violations.

COFADEH: Established specifically to confront the state's use of terror and disappearance in the 1980s, this organization serves as an advocate for human rights and peace in Honduras today.

CONADEH: Honduras's national commission for human rights, established by constitutional mandate, is a governmental effort to correct past abuses.

Nicaragua

CENIDH: Nicaragua's major human rights advocacy organization. Gallery of Heroes and Martyrs, Esteli: Many galleries exist in Nicaragua, devoted to honoring those who died in support of the Sandinista cause. But, the gallery in Esteli is run by a particularly active group, which has resulted in excellent displays and a host of local projects.

MLK Institute: Based at the Polytechnic University of Nicaragua, this institute seeks to promote peace, reconciliation, and human rights through study and investigation.

	Central America: Organizations
Home	The following organizations, based in Central America, are committed to documenting or reconciling their countries' traumatic pasts or shaping a more peaceful and just present. We met with many of these organizations while on our scouting trip. El Salvador CDHES: "The main objectives of the Commission are: (1) to promote the obvervance and respect for human rights; (2) to defend victims of human rights violations and struggle to bring to justice those responsible for these abuses; (3) to denounce the human rights violations to the national and international communities; (4) to promote and coordinate activities aimed at preventing human rights abuses; (5) to inform the Salvadoran people about their fundamental rights, and to monitor the implementation of international human rights treaties and accords signed by the Salvadoran government." (No website.) COMADRES: Formed in 1977, when forced disappearances occurred with an increasing frequency, this organization provided a support and advocacy base for family members of the disappeared. Today, it still actively pursues more than 4,000 disappeared, while promoting the larger cause of human rights, economic justice, and trauma treatment. Pro-Busqueda: Another association of Salvadoran families, similar in scope and mission to COMADRES. In addition, provides regional support throughout Central America, working in particular with Guatemalan organizations. Some info in English. Guatemala CALDH: A legal assistance organization in support of human rights in Guatemala. Operates different programs devoted to the indigenous population, women, and youth, along with one focused on the broader issue of justice and reconciliation. Website only in Spanish. CDHG PDH: La Procuraduria de los Derechos Humanos is an organization focused specifically on public defense, to ensure the protection of human rights in Guatemala. Website exclusively in Spanish. Myrna Mack Foundation: "The Myrna Mack Foundation, established in 1993, focuses on the elaboration of studies and proposals that promote the fight against impunity, the construction of rule of law in Guatemala and for the consolidation of peace and democracy." ODHAG: The Guatemalan archbishop's office on human rights has played a major part in reshaping Guatemalan society in the pursuit of justice and peace, particularly through the research and publication of Guatemala: Nunca Mas. PAVA Foundation: The Aid Program for Highland Communities looks to achieve long-term sustainable development in Mayan villages and towns throughout Guatemala, with a focus on infrastructure, technology, environment, and education. Rigoberta Menchu Foundation: Established by the Nobel Prize winner, this organization is devoted to indigenous rights and education, human rights in general, and civic activism. Honduras CODEH: One of the major human rights organizations in Honduras, with a particular emphasis on the documentation and investigation of violations. COFADEH: Established specifically to confront the state's use of terror and disappearance in the 1980s, this organization serves as an advocate for human rights and peace in Honduras today. CONADEH: Honduras's national commission for human rights, established by constitutional mandate, is a governmental effort to correct past abuses. Nicaragua CENIDH: Nicaragua's major human rights advocacy organization. Gallery of Heroes and Martyrs, Esteli: Many galleries exist in Nicaragua, devoted to honoring those who died in support of the Sandinista cause. But, the gallery in Esteli is run by a particularly active group, which has resulted in excellent displays and a host of local projects. MLK Institute: Based at the Polytechnic University of Nicaragua, this institute seeks to promote peace, reconciliation, and human rights through study and investigation.
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