The following notes have been edited to correct errors and to add explanations and updates. Parenthetical notes and remarks from the original are enclosed in parentheses. Present day [2022] updates are italicized and enclosed in square brackets.
Thursday, 17 October 1991 9:00 AM - The Non-Governmental Human Rights Commission (CDHES)
Wanda introduces our group to the staff worker for the CDHES who is acting as our host this morning. He greets us graciously and begins his narrative of the work of the commission.
"Welcome to our offices. We are glad to have you here so that you can gain a truer picture of life in our country on the basis of what you will see and hear here, as well as through your meetings with other organizations.
"This human rights commission began its work on 1 April 1978, with the establishment of four objectives:
1. To advocate for respect for the physical and moral integrity of every Salvadoran;
2. To investigate and document human rights abuses;
3. To denounce violations of human rights, both nationally and internationally, through agencies such as the United Nations; and
4. To undertake activities directed toward public education about human rights. This last goal has not been fulfilled in its entirety.
"We've had to live through the sadness of having four of our members slain and three disappeared since we were established. In 1987 fourteen members were captured and tortured by the Treasury Police. Nine of these were released and five sent to Mariona Prison. Nonetheless, we have continued forward with our work. We have won recognition both national and international. Three times we have been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. Humanitarian organizations assist us both morally and economically to continue the work.
