The region of Central America is characterized by intense political conflict. In El Salvador and Nicaragua in particular, the population suffers from state violence and the erosion of human rights. Another problem is social inequality and widespread poverty, exacerbated by climate change. Droughts are on the rise, as are floods and landslides.
El Salvador has been in a state of emergency since March 2022. The reason for this was an increase in violence, mainly due to an escalation in the fight against organized criminal gangs, the Maras. Since then, people can be arrested without cause. Mara violence has decreased, but at the cost of massive human rights violations. Well over 80,000 people were arrested, including at least 20,000 innocent people, according to estimates by human rights organizations. There are also numerous cases of torture and enforced disappearances.
Repression has steadily increased in Nicaragua since the protests against the Ortega government in 2018. In recent years, over 5,000 civil society and religious organizations have been banned and their assets confiscated. Hundreds of government critics have been expatriated or have fled abroad.
In all Central American countries, the church is an important point of contact for people in need. The churches continue to enjoy great trust, as they have been particularly committed to helping the poor and marginalized for decades.
Our partner organizations
In Central America, we have been working with the Salvadoran Lutheran Church (SLS) since 2013 and with the Community of Lutheran Churches in Central America (CILCA) since 2016. Both partners are committed to addressing violence and promoting human rights in El Salvador, Nicaragua, Honduras and Costa Rica.
Together, we train trauma specialists and provide them with extensive supervision. We also support the work of the SLS Trauma Center in El Salvador.
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Our Projects
Further Training for Trauma Specialists
We strengthen church advisory structures in Central America.
Since 2015, we have been training trauma specialists in Central America from our partner churches in El Salvador, Nicaragua, Honduras and Costa Rica. After completing the training, participants use their skills to work with disadvantaged children, young people and families affected by violence. In addition, they pass on their knowledge to colleagues and thus help to raise awareness of the important issue of trauma.
During monthly online supervision sessions, we support our colleagues and create a space for reflection, professional discussions and mutual support. This creates a lively network that connects and strengthens the trauma specialists.
In all Central American countries, the church is an important resource for people in need. The churches continue to enjoy a high level of trust because of their decades-long commitment to helping the poor and marginalized. The training of pastors in trauma-sensitive counseling is an important milestone for improved support structures.
Each year, graduates of our training courses in Central America take part in an international refresher seminar at Labenbachhof in Ruhpolding.
