Symbol of the "War on Gangs": Beyond its operational function, the CECOT has been used by the government as a powerful propaganda tool. Images of thousands of suspected gang members being transferred to this mega-prison, widely disseminated by authorities, seek to consolidate the narrative of a strong and determined state in its fight against crime, generating a perception of success and control.

Instrument of deterrence and repression: The very existence of the CECOT, with the extremely harsh prison conditions presumed to exist inside (cells with concrete bunks without mattresses, constant lighting, 24/7 video surveillance, and a virtual lack of contact with the outside world), is intended to discourage gang activity and impose exemplary punishment on those caught.

Capacity for the mass arrest policy: The CECOT's enormous capacity is essential to sustaining the strategy of large-scale arrests under the state of emergency, relieving pressure on the rest of the prison system and allowing the government to continue its "iron fist" policy.

Neutralization of gang organization: The CECOT's high-security design seeks to effectively disrupt gang communication and organizational capacity from within prisons—a recurring problem in Salvadoran prison history—with the goal of completely dismantling their command and operational structures.

In short, the CECOT is not merely a prison; it is the physical and symbolic pillar of a security policy that has prioritized reducing violence through a "iron fist" approach and the suspension of constitutional guarantees, generating an intense debate about the balance between security and human rights in El Salvador.

The implementation of the state of emergency in El Salvador, while popular due to the apparent reduction in gang violence, has generated growing and alarming concern about the situation of minors. This concern stems from a series of direct and indirect impacts that security measures have on children and adolescents in the country.

The main concerns revolve around:

Family separation and orphanhood: Mass detentions of adults, many of them denounced as arbitrary, have resulted in the abrupt separation of thousands of children from their parents or guardians. Organizations such as Cristosal estimate that these detentions have left at least 176 children orphaned and have left a considerably larger number of children and adolescents in a situation of abandonment (it is estimated that around 62,022 children under the age of 15 are in some form of abandonment). This generates emotional, economic, and social neglect, affecting their overall development and their access to basic rights.

Detention of Minors: Although the law establishes differentiated treatment for minors, cases have been reported of children and adolescents being detained, sometimes alongside adults, and in conditions that do not respect their specific rights. Legislative changes have allowed minors to be prosecuted and, in some cases, sent to adult centers, which is contrary to international juvenile justice standards. There are reports that some adolescents have been accused of gang membership based on weak evidence, such as short videos, and have been forced to plead guilty for fear of longer sentences.

Psychological and Emotional Impact: The atmosphere of fear and the constant presence of security forces in communities, as well as the uncertainty about the whereabouts of their detained relatives, are generating profound trauma in Salvadoran children. Changes in behavior, sleep problems, anxiety, hyperactivity, and a perception of authorities as a threat rather than a protector are observed. This chronic stress has serious repercussions on mental health and emotional development in the short, medium, and long term.

Violation of the right to education and health: The lack of financial and family support, coupled with the psychological impact, can lead to school dropouts. Furthermore, the neglect of these children makes it difficult for them to access basic health and psychological care services, which are essential to mitigating the negative effects of the situation.

Exposure to stigmatization and violence: Children living in communities historically affected by gangs or with detained family members are often stigmatized and may be subject to excessive scrutiny by authorities, increasing their vulnerability.

Lack of transparency and accountability: The secrecy of information on arrests and proceedings under the emergency regime hinders access to justice and the protection of children's rights. This lack of transparency makes it difficult to know the exact number of affected children and their real situation, which hinders the provision of humanitarian aid and the implementation of adequate protection measures.

The question of whether the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) is a space for the protection or violation of minors' rights in El Salvador is complex and requires a differentiated analysis. Although the CECOT is designed to house adults, its existence and the context of the emergency regime under which it operates have significant and predominantly negative repercussions on the rights of Salvadoran children and adolescents.

Indirect and Contextual Impact: A Violation by Association

The CECOT, by its very nature and the security policy it represents, is not a space for the protection of minors; in fact, it indirectly contributes to the violation of their rights. The main reason is that the "War on Gangs" and mass arrests have generated a series of consequences that directly affect children's well-being and development:

• Family Separation and Disruption of the Environment: Thousands of parents or guardians have been detained and transferred to the CECOT (Centralized Center for the Protection of Children and Families) or other prisons under the emergency regime. This abrupt separation leaves an alarming number of children orphaned or abandoned, lacking their primary emotional and economic support. The absence of a primary caregiver or insertion into a new family environment can lead to severe trauma, emotional instability, and difficulties meeting their basic needs (food, housing, education, health).

• Psychological and Emotional Impact: The pervasive atmosphere of fear, uncertainty about the whereabouts of loved ones, and the constant presence of security forces in their communities generate toxic stress in children. Many children develop anxiety, insomnia, behavioral changes, and a perception of authorities as a threat. This climate of fear undermines their sense of security and seriously affects their long-term mental health.

• Stigmatization and Discrimination: Children who come from communities stigmatized by the presence of gangs, or whose family members have been detained, often face discrimination and suspicion. This situation makes them vulnerable to social exclusion, excessive scrutiny by authorities, and, in some cases, unjustified detention.

• Restricted Access to Basic Rights: Family disintegration and the precarious economic situation resulting from mass detentions can limit children's access to education and health services. Children who previously attended school may be forced to work or care for younger siblings.

Could there be any "protective" circumstances?

The only perspective from which "protection" could be argued would be very indirect and highly debatable: whether the drastic reduction in gang violence attributed to these policies allows children to live in safer communities, free from extortion and forced recruitment. However, this "protection" comes at an extremely high cost in terms of human rights and family stability, and does not address the direct and indirect violations mentioned above.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the CECOT, as a symbol and main tool of the state of emergency, is a factor contributing to the violation of children's rights in El Salvador. It is not a space designed for their protection, nor does it address their specific needs. On the contrary, the consequences of the implemented security policies, which include mass detentions and the lack of due process, have disrupted thousands of families, leaving children in a situation of extreme vulnerability, with deep emotional scars and the interruption of their overall development. State protection is not seen in the preservation of family unity or in the guarantee of the fundamental rights of those whose only "fault" is having been born in a context affected by violence and the state's responses to it.

The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on November 20, 1989, and ratified by the vast majority of countries worldwide, constitutes the most comprehensive and widely accepted international instrument on children's rights. The CRC establishes that States Parties must ensure the best interests of the child as a primary consideration in all measures concerning children, whether adopted by public or private social welfare institutions, courts, administrative authorities, or legislative bodies.

Specifically regarding children in detention, the CRC contains key provisions governing the treatment of children deprived of their liberty, highlighting:

Article 37: Prohibits torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment. It establishes that no child shall be unlawfully or arbitrarily deprived of his or her liberty, and that the arrest or detention of a child shall be used only as a measure of last resort and for the shortest appropriate period. It also ensures that every child deprived of his or her liberty is treated with humanity and respect for the inherent dignity of the human person, and in a manner that takes into account the needs of others of his or her age. They have the right to maintain contact with their family, prompt access to legal assistance, and the right to challenge the legality of their deprivation of liberty.

Article 40: Regulates the administration of juvenile justice, recognizing the right of every child alleged to have violated the penal law to be treated in a manner consistent with the promotion of their sense of dignity and worth, which reinforces the child's respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of others, and which takes into account the child's age and the importance of promoting the child's reintegration and assuming a constructive role in society.

Other relevant human rights treaties include:

The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which in Article 10.2.b establishes that juveniles under investigation "shall be separated from adults and shall be brought before the courts of justice as expeditiously as possible for trial."

The Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.

The United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Administration of Juvenile Justice (the Beijing Rules), which, while not a binding treaty, provide detailed guidelines for the implementation of juvenile justice systems that respect children's rights.

The United Nations Rules for the Protection of Juveniles Deprived of their Liberty (the Havana Rules), which offer specific guidance on the conditions of detention and treatment of juveniles.

The United Nations Guidelines for the Prevention of Juvenile Delinquency (Riyadh Guidelines), which promote preventive and alternative approaches to deprivation of liberty.

El Salvador, as a State Party to the CRC and other international instruments, has adapted its domestic legal framework to guarantee the protection of the rights of children and adolescents, including those that conflict with criminal law. The main legislation in this area is the Law for the Comprehensive Protection of Children and Adolescents (LEPINA).

The LEPINA, enacted in 2011, establishes a system for the comprehensive protection of the rights of children and adolescents, recognizing their status as subjects of law and their best interests as a guiding principle. Among its most relevant provisions for children in detention are:

Guiding principles: The LEPINA enshrines principles such as the best interests of the child, non-discrimination, the right to life, survival, and development, participation, and the joint responsibility of the family, society, and the State.

Protective Measures: The law establishes a catalog of protective measures for children and adolescents who are at risk or whose rights have been violated, including those who have committed a criminal offense. These measures prioritize prevention, restoration of rights, and social reintegration.

Juvenile Criminal Justice: The LEPINA specifically addresses the juvenile criminal justice system, establishing a legal framework distinct from the adult system. It regulates the procedures, precautionary measures, sanctions, and procedural guarantees applicable to adolescents in conflict with the criminal law, always under the principle of the adolescent's best interests and their comprehensive development.

Detention Centers: The law establishes the requirements and standards for detention centers for adolescents, emphasizing the need to guarantee decent conditions, educational and rehabilitation programs, and separation from adults.

Procedural Guarantees: The LEPINA guarantees the right to due process, legal assistance, the right to be heard, the presumption of innocence, and judicial review of decisions affecting adolescents.

In addition to the LEPINA, other Salvadoran laws, such as the Juvenile Criminal Procedure Code, develop specific procedures for the application of criminal justice to adolescents, guaranteeing their rights and providing differentiated treatment.

Brain Development: The adolescent brain is highly malleable and vulnerable to the effects of chronic stress and trauma. Isolation, lack of stimulation, and the absence of meaningful social interactions can negatively affect the development of brain areas crucial for emotional regulation, decision-making, and impulse control.

Impaired Social and Coping Skills: Extreme isolation and limited meaningful human contact impede the development and practice of essential social skills. Children may develop difficulties interacting with others, expressing emotions in healthy ways, or coping with stress constructively.

Loss of Identity and Purpose: Deprivation of liberty in a dehumanizing environment can lead to a profound sense of loss of identity, purpose, and self-worth. This is particularly damaging in adolescence, a crucial period for identity formation.

Emotional Regression: Some children may experience regression to earlier developmental stages, displaying childish behaviors or an inability to manage their emotions in a mature manner.

Anxiety and Depression: Conditions of confinement, uncertainty about the future, separation from family, and constant fear can trigger or exacerbate anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder) and depression (persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, anhedonia).

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Exposure to violence, the threat of physical or psychological harm, cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment, and witnessing traumatic events (such as torture or the death of other inmates) are significant risk factors for the development of PTSD. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance of traumatic memories, hypervigilance, and negative changes in mood and thinking.

Other Disorders: Sleep disorders, eating disorders, and an increased risk of self-harm or suicidal ideation may also occur.

Early Assessment and Diagnosis: It is essential to have mental health professionals who can assess minors upon admission and throughout their detention to identify and diagnose any mental or emotional disorders early.

Individualized Therapeutic Interventions: Support should be tailored to each minor's specific needs, including individual therapy (cognitive-behavioral therapy, trauma-informed therapy), group therapy, and therapeutic activities that promote emotional expression and the processing of experiences.

Family Support: Whenever possible and safe, facilitating family contact and support can be a key protective factor for a minor's mental health.

Safe and Stimulating Environment: An environment that minimizes stress, promotes safety, and offers opportunities for positive social interaction and meaningful activities is crucial for recovery and healthy development.

Post-Release Follow-Up: Psychosocial support should not end upon release; It is vital to provide follow-up and community resources to facilitate reintegration and prevent relapse.

Cycle of Vulnerability: Interrupted access to education perpetuates a cycle of vulnerability. Minors who drop out of school are less likely to obtain stable, well-paid employment, making them more prone to poverty and reoffending.

Skills Development: School not only provides academic knowledge but also fosters the development of social, emotional, and cognitive skills essential for adult life. Deprivation of these opportunities leaves minors at a significant disadvantage.

Stigmatization: A history of arrest, coupled with dropping out of school, can generate stigma and make it difficult to reintegrate into the regular education system or the labor market.

Absence or Severe Limitation: According to available information, CECOT does not offer educational, training, or rehabilitation programs of any kind. This represents a flagrant violation of international juvenile justice standards, which require access to education for juveniles deprived of their liberty.

Negative Impact on Development: The lack of access to education and vocational training within these centers deprives juveniles of the opportunity to acquire new skills, continue their learning, and prepare for a productive and legal future life.

Lost Opportunities: Years of detention without access to education or training represent critical years of lost development, making it extremely difficult for juveniles to catch up or compete in the labor market upon release.

Knowledge Gap: Juveniles who graduate from CECOT or similar centers face a significant knowledge and skills gap compared to their peers who were not detained, making it difficult for them to reenter the formal education system.

Stigmatization and Discrimination: A history of detention and a lack of educational credentials can lead to discrimination in education and employment, making it very difficult for them to be accepted into schools or find employment.

Lack of Structural Support: Often, support systems for the educational and employment reintegration of former detainees are insufficient or nonexistent, leaving minors without the tools and guidance necessary to rebuild their lives.

Unaddressed Mental Health: Unresolved mental health issues (anxiety, depression, PTSD) can also be a significant obstacle to educational and employment reintegration, affecting concentration, motivation, and the ability to interact socially.

In conclusion, the conditions of detention and the lack of programs at the CECOT have devastating consequences on the psychosocial and educational development of minors, seriously compromising their short- and long-term well-being and limiting their chances of successful reintegration into society.

Negative Labeling: Being detained as a "terrorist" or "gang member" in the context of a state of emergency generates an extremely negative social label. This label not only adheres to the minor but often extends to their family, creating a cycle of suspicion and marginalization.

Public Perception and Fear: Government rhetoric that criminalizes large segments of the population, including young people, creates an environment of fear and mistrust. Society may perceive released minors as a potential threat, regardless of the nature or veracity of the charges for which they were detained.

Impact on Self-Esteem: Internalized stigma can profoundly erode a minor's self-esteem and self-image. They may feel ashamed, unworthy, or different, which hinders the development of a positive identity and belief in their own potential.

Barriers in Daily Life: Stigma translates into concrete barriers in daily life. It can be difficult to secure housing, employment, and even access basic services or interact with neighbors and former friends, who may fear being associated with an "ex-gang member" or "ex-terrorist."

Family and Community Rejection: Although some families may maintain support, others, under social pressure and stigma, may distance themselves from the minor, making it difficult for them to return home. Communities, especially those directly affected by gang violence or security rhetoric, may show rejection or fear, denying children a sense of belonging and crucial social support.

Loss of Support Networks: Prolonged detention and isolation sever ties with friends, family, and community support networks. Upon release, children may find themselves without the social support that is vital for resilience and adaptation to life outside of prison.

Mistrust and Isolation: The experience of detention, often arbitrary and violent, can generate deep mistrust of institutions (police, justice) and society in general. This mistrust can lead to further social isolation, making it difficult to form new relationships or rebuild existing ones.

Impact on Mental Health: The combination of stigma, rejection, and isolation can exacerbate mental health problems developed during detention (anxiety, depression, PTSD), making the process of social reintegration even more arduous.

Cycle of Marginalization: Lack of access to education, employment, and social support networks creates a vicious cycle of marginalization. If a released juvenile cannot find decent work or complete their education, legitimate livelihood options are drastically reduced.

Vulnerability to Recidivism: Faced with a lack of opportunities and a sense of social exclusion, juveniles may be pushed back into illicit activities. The lack of future prospects and hopelessness increase the likelihood of reoffending.

Lure of Criminal Groups: For some, the only "support network" available may be criminal groups, which offer a sense of belonging, protection, and a means of subsistence, even if it is through illegal activities. This is particularly true if the juvenile has not received effective rehabilitation and contact with criminal groups occurred or was reinforced during their detention.

Absence of Reintegration Programs: The lack of comprehensive social reintegration programs that address the educational, employment, psychological, and social needs of minors upon leaving the CECOT exacerbates these risks. Without effective support, successful reintegration becomes a nearly impossible task.

Ultimately, social stigmatization and community disintegration are devastating consequences of detention in settings like the CECOT. They not only limit minors' future opportunities but also push them into a spiral of vulnerability and reoffending, undermining efforts to build a safer and more just society.

In detention situations, and even more so when it comes to minors, information is power and protection. It is crucial to have access to accurate and verifiable data on:

Identity and exact number of detained minors: This includes full names, dates of birth, dates of detention, and the specific charges against them. Without this information, it is impossible to know how many minors are actually in custody and whether they are being treated in accordance with their status as children.

Location of each minor: Certainty about the whereabouts of each detained minor is essential so that their families can locate them and human rights organizations can monitor their situation. Uncertainty about the whereabouts of minors is a form of enforced disappearance.

Detention conditions: Detailed information must be available on the conditions in which minors live, including access to basic services such as healthcare, food, education, and recreation, as well as the number of inmates per cell and hygiene.

Health status: It is vital to know the physical and mental health status of minors, as well as their access to adequate medical and psychological care.

Judicial progress: Transparency in judicial processes, including the status of their cases, hearing dates, and access to effective legal representation.

The lack of this clear and verifiable information contributes to an environment of impunity, where rights violations can occur without the public or oversight bodies being able to detect or act.

For transparency to become a reality, it is essential to have robust independent monitoring mechanisms with unrestricted access to juvenile detention centers, including those with maximum security conditions such as the CECOT. This entails:

Unannounced Access: Monitors must be able to visit detention centers at any time, without prior notice to the authorities. This allows for a more genuine assessment of actual conditions and prevents the creation of artificial scenarios.

Access to All Facilities and Records: Observers must have full access to all areas of the center, including cells, recreation areas, infirmaries, and any other space used by minors. They must also be able to review all relevant records, such as admission books, medical records, and disciplinary files.

Confidential Interviews: It is essential that monitors be able to conduct confidential and private interviews with detained minors, without the presence of center staff. This allows minors to freely express their concerns and complaints without fear of reprisals.

Participation of international and civil society organizations: Monitoring mechanisms should include international human rights organizations (such as the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the UN Committee against Torture) and local and international civil society organizations with experience in child protection and human rights. Their independence and expertise are crucial for an objective assessment.

Publication of reports: The findings of these monitoring activities should be documented in public reports that include clear recommendations and timelines for their implementation.

Monitoring is not enough; there must be clear and secure channels for detained minors, their families, or their representatives to file complaints, and for these to be investigated impartially and diligently. This requires:

Accessible and secure channels: Establish multiple channels for receiving complaints, including telephone lines, secure mailboxes within detention centers, and points of contact external to the prison institution. These channels must be widely known and accessible to minors and their families.

Protection against reprisals: It is essential to ensure that minors and their families will not suffer reprisals for filing a complaint. This may include confidentiality of the complainant's identity, prohibition of arbitrary transfers, or loss of benefits.

Independent and impartial investigation: Complaints must be investigated by entities independent of the detention center administration, such as a specialized human rights prosecutor's office, an ombudsman's office, or a human rights commission with autonomy and resources. The investigation must be thorough, impartial, and timely.

Corrective Action and Accountability: When allegations are substantiated, immediate corrective action must be taken, including the provision of medical care, relocation if necessary, and the sanctioning of those responsible. Accountability for abuses is crucial, sending a clear message that such actions will not be tolerated.

Information on the Progress of Complaints: Complainants must be regularly informed about the progress of their complaint and the results of the investigation.

The implementation of these measures not only protects the fundamental rights of minors but also contributes to the legitimacy of the justice system and the construction of a more just and transparent society. What other aspects do you think are essential to ensuring transparency in detention centers?

Non-custodial socio-educational measures seek to address the underlying causes of juveniles' delinquent behavior while allowing them to remain in their communities and continue their lives. This includes:

Supervised Release: A judge or court may order the juvenile to be under the supervision of a social worker or guardian, who provides guidance and monitors their behavior, school attendance, and participation in positive activities.

Community Service: Juveniles perform unpaid work to benefit the community (park cleaning, nursing home support, etc.). This fosters a sense of responsibility and social contribution.

Reparation of Harm: Where possible, the juvenile is encouraged to repair the harm caused to the victim or the community, either financially or symbolically. This seeks to restore relationships and foster empathy.

Participation in Training Programs: Mandating or incentivizing participation in life skills workshops, vocational training, personal development programs, or therapies.

Counseling and Therapy: Providing access to psychological therapy, family, or group counseling to address mental health issues, trauma, or dysfunctional family dynamics that may have contributed to the criminal behavior.

Strengthening these measures involves allocating adequate resources, trained personnel, and rigorous monitoring to ensure their effectiveness.

A punitive approach focuses on punishment as a deterrent, while a rehabilitative approach seeks to transform the individual so they can positively reintegrate into society. For juveniles, the latter is by far the most effective:

Focusing on Root Causes: Rehabilitation addresses the reasons why a juvenile may have committed an offense, such as poverty, social exclusion, lack of educational opportunities, trauma, or exposure to violence.

Skills Development: Beyond punishment, it seeks to equip young people with academic, vocational, and social skills that will enable them to build a future free from crime. This includes formal education, technical courses, conflict resolution skills, and emotional management.

Restoring Bonds: Work is done to strengthen the juvenile's family and community ties, recognizing that social support is crucial for successful reintegration. Isolation and family and community disintegration are risk factors for recidivism.

Individualized Programs: Each juvenile has unique needs and circumstances. A rehabilitative approach involves designing individualized plans tailored to their age, development, history, and potential.

Evidence of Success: Numerous studies demonstrate that rehabilitative approaches and alternatives to institutionalization are more effective in reducing long-term recidivism than mere incarceration, especially for juveniles.

The best strategy to reduce juvenile delinquency is to prevent it before it occurs. This involves investing in community programs that address risk factors and strengthen protective factors:

Access to Quality Education: Ensure that all children and young people have access to inclusive, quality education, from early childhood through higher education. Safe and well-resourced schools are essential.

Employment and Training Opportunities: Create job training programs and decent employment opportunities for at-risk youth, offering them legitimate economic alternatives.

Safe and Recreational Spaces: Invest in community infrastructure such as parks, cultural centers, sports centers, and libraries, which offer safe spaces and constructive activities for young people.

Mentoring and Psychosocial Support Programs: Establish programs where positive adults can mentor at-risk youth, and offer accessible mental health and psychosocial support services in communities.

Family Strengthening: Supporting families with positive parenting programs, counseling, and resources that enable them to provide a safe and stable environment for children.

Early Intervention: Identifying and supporting children and youth who show early signs of risk, before their delinquent behavior takes root.

By prioritizing these alternatives and prevention strategies, the need for juvenile detention can be significantly reduced, fostering their positive development and building safer and more resilient communities.

Psychosocial and Legal Support: Civil society organizations can offer psychological, emotional, and legal support to detained minors and their families. This includes guidance on their rights, assistance in judicial proceedings, and accompaniment during and after detention.

Mentoring and Reintegration Programs: Develop and manage mentoring programs that connect released minors with positive adults who can guide and support them in their educational, labor, and social reintegration process. These programs can offer life skills, vocational training, and employment opportunities.

Family Support Groups: Create spaces for families of detained minors to share experiences, receive information, and support each other. This helps mitigate stigma and strengthen family ties, which are essential for the child's resilience.

Community Awareness: Work with communities to dismantle the stigma associated with detention and foster an accepting and supportive environment for returning minors. This may include awareness-raising campaigns and community dialogue.

Monitoring and Reporting: Civil society organizations are essential for monitoring detention conditions, documenting human rights violations, and reporting them to national and international authorities. Their independence allows them to act as "watchdogs" for the system.

Strategic Litigation: Promote legal actions and strategic litigation to challenge policies and practices that violate the rights of minors, seeking legal precedents that improve detention conditions and promote alternatives.

Political and Legislative Pressure: Conduct advocacy campaigns to influence public policymaking and the passage of laws that are in line with international standards for juvenile justice, promoting deinstitutionalization and prioritizing non-custodial measures.

Education and Awareness: Educate the public, legislators, and justice officials about the rights of children and adolescents and the benefits of a restorative and rehabilitative approach.

Technical and Financial Assistance: International organizations and donor countries can provide technical and financial assistance to governments to strengthen their juvenile justice systems, including staff training, the development of socio-educational programs, and the improvement of conditions in detention centers.

Exchange of Good Practices: Facilitate the exchange of experiences and good practices between countries in the field of juvenile justice, promoting successful models of rehabilitation, reintegration, and violence prevention.

Monitoring and Diplomatic Pressure: The international community, through its human rights mechanisms (such as UN Committees and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights) and diplomacy, can exert pressure on States to comply with their international obligations regarding children's rights and juvenile justice.

Promoting International Standards: Continue promoting the ratification and implementation of international human rights instruments related to juvenile justice (such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Administration of Juvenile Justice - Beijing Rules).

Research and Documentation: Support independent research and documentation of detention conditions and human rights violations, providing reliable data for advocacy and accountability.

Collaboration among these actors is essential to creating an environment where juveniles in conflict with the law are treated with dignity, provided with rehabilitation opportunities, and allowed to fully reintegrate into society, breaking the cycle of violence and marginalization.