About us
Since its inception in 1981, El Rescate has been a voice for the voiceless, committed to advocacy for the rights of the refugee and immigrant communities, both in the courts and in the media.
We welcome TV, radio and print reporters. For information and interviews, contact Salvador Sanabria, (213) 387-3284, extension 123.
Our Mission
El Rescate Legal Services empowers immigrants, primarily Latinos, to improve their political and economic wellbeing in order to promote their full participation as citizens.
Our Vision
Help more families become citizens and promote their participation in civic and economic life in the United States.
Values
Compassion, Professionalism and Honesty
Index Of Accountability
The El Rescate Human Rights Department had staff on the ground in El Salvador from 1985-1995. During the two years leading up to the 1992 Peace Agreement, El Rescate staff in Los Angeles and El Salvador developed and collected data for a precedent-setting study of the Salvadoran military and of violations of human rights from 1980-1992. The violations database was compiled from testimonies and information documented by Tutela Legal, the legal aid office of the Archdiocese of San Salvador. Based on principles of contemporary international human rights law, the study’s innovative and digitized results provided the ability to cross-reference military command responsibility – using the military database – with specific violations of human rights. This allowed users to create individual dossiers of abuses committed by each high-ranking officer. In 1992, copies of the Index were presented to the United Nations-backed Truth Commission as well as the Ad Hoc Commission, also supported by the UN, to purge the military of the most egregious violators of human rights. Three decades later, the Index continues to be a valuable tool for human rights organizations, war crimes investigators, lawyers, academics and historians.
For detailed information on the development of the Index to Accountability, see then-lead attorney Todd Howland’s description: How El Rescate, a Small Non-governmental organization, Contributed to the Transformation of the Human Rights Situation in El Salvador.
For detailed information on the development of the Index to Accountability,
see then-lead attorney Todd Howland’s description:
How El Rescate, a Small Non-governmental organization, Contributed to the Transformation of the Human Rights Situation in El Salvador.
see then-lead attorney Todd Howland’s description:
How El Rescate, a Small Non-governmental organization, Contributed to the Transformation of the Human Rights Situation in El Salvador.
Reference Material:
Research
Since 1980, approximately 2 million Salvadorans have become residents of foreign countries, principally the United States.
While the 2000 U.S. Census recorded California’s Salvadoran population at about 273,000, the University of Albany’s Mumford Institute, using other survey methods, found it closer to 500,000. Scholars and community leaders say persistent waves of immigration since 2000 may have significantly increased that figure. In modern development terms, these immigrants are referred to as the Diaspora.
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Explore our collection of videos showcasing our mission, programs, and the impact of our work in supporting the immigrant community.
El Rescate in Multimedia
Connecting
Our videos offer an inside look at the initiatives, events, and advocacy efforts that drive our organization forward. From community outreach programs to legal assistance and cultural events, these videos highlight the dedication and passion behind our work.
Educating
Through these visual stories, we aim to share the voices, experiences, and successes of the immigrant community. Whether you’re looking to learn more about our programs or see the impact of our efforts firsthand, our video library provides an engaging way to connect with our mission.
Our Sponsors and Partners
To all our sponsors and academic partners, we would like to extend our sincere appreciation for your steadfast support and collaboration. Your contributions have been instrumental in our achievements.
