El Salvador Reports 1.9 Homicides Per 100,000 in 2024, Claims Safest Status in Western Hemisphere

San Salvador, El Salvador – El Salvador concluded 2024 with a homicide rate of 1.9 per 100,000 inhabitants, positioning itself as the safest country in the Western Hemisphere, a significant reduction from previous years. This achievement was highlighted by President Nayib Bukele and echoed by investment firm Geiger Capital, which stated, "El Salvador is on track to be the safest country in the Western Hemisphere in 2025… You can just remove violent people from society and make life better for everyone else."

The dramatic decline in violence is attributed to President Bukele's "Territorial Control Plan" and the "State of Exception," implemented in March 2022. This emergency measure has allowed for the detention of over 90,000 individuals suspected of gang affiliation, leading to a reported 97.7% decrease in homicides compared to 2015 figures. The government asserts that these policies have dismantled criminal networks and restored public safety.

However, these aggressive tactics have drawn significant criticism from human rights organizations. Critics argue that the State of Exception has led to widespread abuses, including arbitrary detentions, lack of due process, and inhumane prison conditions, particularly within the massive "Terrorist Confinement Center" (CECOT). Reports indicate that not all incarcerated individuals have proven gang linkages, with some arrested due to tenuous connections to alleged gang members.

Despite human rights concerns, the perceived improvement in security has positively impacted El Salvador's economic landscape. The country has seen an increase in foreign investment and a booming tourism sector, with investors and tourists drawn by the newfound stability. The government has actively promoted business-friendly policies, including the adoption of Bitcoin as legal tender, further attracting international capital.

El Salvador's Attorney General, Rodolfo Delgado, noted that the 114 homicides in 2024 represented a significant drop from the previous year, with a 98.2% resolution rate for homicide cases. President Bukele expressed optimism that if the trend continues, El Salvador could compete for the title of the safest country globally. The long-term implications of these security measures and their balance with human rights remain a subject of international debate.