Citation

DeLugan RM. J. Hum. Right. 2005; 4(2): 233-249.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/14754830590952161

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

In postwar El Salvador, high levels of violence and social polarization continue to destabilize a fragmented society. In an effort to combat this instability, projects have emerged to foster social reconstruction by promoting national culture and identity. The goal of international humanitarian intervention in these projects is to link national cultural campaigns to universally accepted values and the practice of democratic citizenship (including human rights). This is in contrast to other national projects that sought to develop common social bonds by promoting the uniqueness of El Salvador's culture, history, and identity. This article examines two postwar projects: UNESCO's pilot “Culture of Peace Program for El Salvador” and a Salvadoran government “Values Program” newly introduced into the national educational curriculum. The UNESCO project was an experiment in global governance, in that it attempts to inform state and society in El Salvador of the cultural values and expectations for participation in a global community. The second program, designed to transform society by inculcating select cultural values, is influenced by the earlier UNESCO iniative, especially in the program's focus on universal values and its emphasis on the ideals of democratic citizenship. This article illustrates the interplay of global and localized governance strategies as social actors in El Salvador debate, adapt, and transform cultural prescriptions for strengthening postwar society. The culture of peace is a fundamental process of human development which centers its attention on the needs and aspirations of the individual person and that generates the conditions which can assure a worthy, full and prosperous life for all, within a natural and cultural environment that is safe, secure and creative. Ministry of Education of the Government of El Salvador and other governmental and non-governmental organizations and with the cooperation of UNESCO (1993)