Central American countries suffer some of the world’s highest levels of crime. Corruption and poor governance fuel the problem. Yet messages of reform are drowned out by promises of fast relief, and voters are asked to trade democracy for their most urgent need: safety. Iron-fisted strategies, such as President Bukele’s in El Salvador, surge in popularity, despite their dismal rights record. Security experts and human rights advocates in this session will explore ways to address Central America’s violent realities and increase paths to security while protecting human rights. It will connect practical expertise with analysis by academics to help develop an agenda that exposes security forces’ abuses and protects citizens from violence and crime.