Guatemala and El Salvador experienced instances of destructive political violence in the 1980s that affected the population and the judicial and political systems. Research has shown that...Show moreGuatemala and El Salvador experienced instances of destructive political violence in the 1980s that affected the population and the judicial and political systems. Research has shown that international interventions in post-conflict countries have a positive influence in restructuring a long-lasting peace through legal empowerment and reduction of violence. This thesis aims to determine whether postconflict international involvement can be successful in establishing just legal and political systems in a context of culture of impunity. Building on existing literature and on UN reports, it answers the following research question: to what extent has the culture of impunity influenced the degree of success of the post-conflict UN interventions in Guatemala and El Salvador? In this context, culture of impunity is defined as a deep-rooted tradition of political injustice that manifests itself with the incapacity to prosecute perpetrators of atrocities. The analysis of historical facts and their comparison to the recommendations by the UN Commissions indicate that, despite the cultural-specific approach used, international interventions resulted partly successful in Guatemala, yet unsuccessful in El Salvador. The culture of impunity affected both countries in the implementation of recommendations, yet with divergent developments in the two cases. On this basis, it is highlighted the importance of avoiding generalisations when suggesting recommendations in post-conflict settings; considering that all countries have a different degree of responsiveness to international aid as well as unique socio-cultural and political features.Show less
