Chapultepec Peace Accords facts for kids

The Chapultepec Peace Accords were important agreements signed on January 16, 1992. They officially ended the Salvadoran Civil War, a long and difficult conflict in El Salvador. These agreements brought peace between the Salvadoran government and a rebel group called the Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front (FMLN). The signing took place in Chapultepec Castle, a historic place in Mexico.

What Were the Chapultepec Peace Accords?

The Chapultepec Peace Accords were a series of agreements. They were designed to stop the fighting in El Salvador. These accords helped the country move towards a peaceful future. They changed how the government and military worked. This helped to build a more fair and democratic society.

Why Were They Needed?

El Salvador had been in a civil war for many years. This war caused a lot of suffering and damage. Both sides wanted to find a way to end the conflict. They hoped to build a new, peaceful country. The peace accords were the solution to this long war.

Who Was Involved?

Many groups worked together to create these accords. Representatives from the Salvadoran government were there. Leaders from the FMLN rebel movement also took part. Political parties from El Salvador joined the talks too. Important observers helped guide the discussions. These included people from the Roman Catholic Church and the United Nations. Their role was to make sure the talks were fair.

What Did They Achieve?

The Chapultepec Peace Accords brought many big changes to El Salvador. They helped to make the government more democratic. One key outcome was respecting people's right to vote. This meant everyone could choose their leaders. The agreements also reformed the justice system. This made sure laws were applied fairly to everyone.

The accords also changed the country's security. They separated the military from public safety. The army became smaller. A new national civilian police force was created. This new police force was meant to protect citizens. These changes helped El Salvador become a more stable country. They ended a long period of military control.

Images for kids

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  The Chapultepec Peace Accords. These agreements ended a long period of military rule. They led to important changes in the government. This included respecting voting rights and creating a civilian police force.

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  An ERP combatant in Perquín in 1990. The ERP was part of the FMLN rebel group.

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  A mural of the peace agreement in San Salvador. It shows FMLN leader Schafik Handal and President Alfredo Cristiani shaking hands.

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  The Monument to Peace, built in 1994. It remembers the Chapultepec Peace Accords.

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  Reconciliation Monument. This monument celebrates the peace brought by the accords.

See also

In Spanish: Acuerdos de Paz de Chapultepec para niños