Abstract:
This thesis examines the advocacy strategies of three Salvadoran non-governmental
organisations (NGOs) aimed at contesting the Mano Dura gang policy and promoting the
implementation of alternative forms of gang control. Introduced by the Flores
administration in mid-2003, Mano Dura proposed to “crack down” on the country’s street
gangs and foresaw the arrest and prosecution of suspected gang members on account of
their physical appearance. Locally known as pandillas or “maras,” these groups allow
marginalised youths to fulfil their need for friendship and respect, but, given their
association with crime and violence, have developed into an important public security
problem. This research explored how three NGOs sought to persuade the government
to provide a comprehensive and rights-respecting response to gang activity and why
these attempts remained relatively ineffective.
