The indigenous world view of the peoples of Izalco, Nahuizalco and Santo Domingo de Guzmán in view of the historical construction of the indigenous peoples´ human rights in El Salvador

Abstract

This article is the final result of a research project which main objective was to identify the world view of the indigenous peoples in the towns of Izalco, Nahuizalco and Santo Domingo de Guzmán in relation to the human rights of the Native peoples in El Salvador and their historic development. In like manner, it depicts the application of said rights at present in contrast to their life conditions in the towns aforementioned based on the exercise of their rights. The qualitative method was used in this research; visits were made to collect information from key informers; focus groups were also organized; the non-structured interview and in situ observations were used by participating in some of the cultural activities with the leaders and the indigenous people from the different villages in the studied municipalities. In summary, the main thesis is that El Salvadorean activities are not complying with the human rights of the indigenous peoples in terms of the lands where they live, their identity, their language, and the quality of their political, cultural and economic life. This fact has been and still is, a constant element in the ongoing struggle of the indigenous peoples.

Based on their testimonies, the native peoples have been wronged in several manners: from the unlawful appropriation of their lands and the lack of adequate social conditions of life, to the appropriation of their tangible inherited identity.

One of the main reasons for the violation of the human rights of the indigenous peoples is the lack of knowledge they have on what both national and international laws establish. The sociostructural violence is yet another relevant factor; the Salvadorean State has failed to comply with these laws and, as a consequence, the rights of this population have been disrespected; therefore, they have been subjugated to a critical life condition, economically, politically, socially and even culturally speaking.

Hence, a series of training has been suggested in relation to the human rights of the Native peoples and the rights established in the Constitution of the Republic of El Salvador. Another recommendation has been to create agreements with the mass media for the dissemination of the lifestyle of the indigenous people and to manage projects to rescue and value their human rights.

Entorno, octubre 2017, número 64: 112-123