Topic A: Prisoners' Rights in Central America

Prison conditions in Central America have drawn global concern, especially following the construction of mega-prisons in El Salvador, where tens of thousands of inmates—including U.S. deportees—are detained. Across the region, prisons are plagued by overcrowding, unsanitary conditions, and prolonged detentions without trial, raising serious human rights issues. Governments argue that widespread gang violence and limited resources leave few alternatives for maintaining public safety. However, the harsh conditions and lack of legal protections call into question the balance between security and human dignity. This debate will explore how the international community can help Central American countries protect prisoners’ rights while addressing systemic challenges in justice and security.