Cristosal at 25 Years:

Defending Justice, Truth, and Voice

Democracy and human rights are under attack. Together, we can protect them.

Who We Are

Cristosal is a regional human rights organization working across El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras

For 25 years we have defended rights, supported victims, and promoted just and democratic societies. We stand with communities resisting repression, displacement, and corruption—turning human rights violations into evidence, advocacy, and systemic change.

Our work is built on three pillars:

1

Justice

Defending victims through legal advocacy and strategic litigation.
2

Truth

Documenting abuses through forensic research and preserving historical memory.
3

Voice

Protecting civic space and amplifying those who refuse to be silenced.

Impact at a Glance

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people protected in the past decade

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strategic litigation cases advancing accountability

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protection networks active across the region 

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families received legal, psychosocial, and social support in 2024 

Voices of Trust

“I am glad to support Cristosal, an organization that exemplifies the fortitude, integrity, dedication and skill needed to defend human rights effectively in difficult and dangerous circumstances.”

– Aryeh Neier, Co-Founder of Human Rights Watch

“Cristosal stands as a beacon of integrity and courage in the face of enormous adversity. Their team not only documents human rights violations with extraordinary rigor, but does so while under direct threat themselves. We are honored to celebrate their work to protect the persecuted and to defend the rule of law.”

– Uzra Zeya, President and CEO of Human Rights First.

Civic space is shrinking across Central America

The Urgency of Now

Despite these challenges, Cristosal remains strong, independent, and regionally rooted. We are rebuilding, expanding victim support across borders, and investing in new leadership—youth, women, LGBTQIA+ advocates, and grassroots organizers.

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El Salvador

In El Salvador, tens of thousands have been arbitrarily detained. In July 2025, Cristosal suspended in-country operations after escalating repression and the arrest of our Head of the Anti-Corruption Unit at Cristosal, Ruth López.

Guatemala

In Guatemala, Indigenous leaders and communities are mobilizing against entrenched corruption.

Honduras

In Honduras, defenders face threats as elections approach.

Why Partner with Cristosal?

01

Trusted leadership

Recognized regionally and internationally for rigorous, victim-centered advocacy.

02

Evidence-based impact

From landmark cases like the El Mozote massacre trial to defending displaced families under authoritarian regimes.

03

Resilient vision

Even after U.S. government funding was cut by 60% and operations in El Salvador suspended, Cristosal continues advancing a regional movement for justice.

How You Can Stand With Us

Support our work

Your gift sustains life-saving legal defense, protection, and advocacy.

Amplify our voice

Share Cristosal’s reports, research, and survivor testimonies.

Partner in solidarity

Collaborate with us on research, advocacy, or regional initiatives.

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