

Now more than ever it is essential to extradite gang leaders to face justice in the United States.The UN General Assembly adopted the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) on 16 December 1966. We urge El Salvador to address this threat while also protecting vital civil liberties, including freedom of the press, due process, and freedom of speech. Gangs pose a threat to the national security of El Salvador and the United States. We are deeply concerned by the spike in violence and homicides committed by the MS-13 and the Barrio 18 gangs in El Salvador on March 25, 26, and 27.

Examples include the construction of a state-of-the-art forensics lab in Nuevo Cuscatlan, and assistance to reclaim and renovate public spaces such as Parque Cuscatlan. Since 2008, we have invested $411 million to improve citizen security and help the Salvadoran government combat gang violence. We continue to support El Salvador in its efforts to reduce the proliferation of gangs. Journalists must have the freedom to do their jobs without fear of violence, threats, or unjust detention. The law lends itself to attempts to censor the media, prevent reporting on corruption and other matters of public interest, and silence critics of the Salvadoran government.
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The United States government is concerned about violence in El Salvador and the passage and implementation of the April 5 Criminal Code amendment by the Legislative Assembly criminalizing reporting on certain gang activities.

Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor.Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations.Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights.Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights.Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation.
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Bureau of Arms Control, Verification and Compliance.Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security.Arms Control and International Security.Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization.Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources.Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy.Security Coordinator for Israel and the Palestinian Authority Special Representative for Syria Engagement.Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs.Special Presidential Coordinator for the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment Global AIDS Coordinator and Global Health Diplomacy Office of the Special Envoy for Critical and Emerging Technology.
