What is CCR CISPES FOIA?
CCR CISPES FOIA stands for the Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR) and the Committee in Solidarity with the People of El Salvador (CISPES) Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). This joint project aims to promote transparency and accountability in U.S. foreign policy towards El Salvador, particularly during the country's civil war in the 1980s.
The FOIA is a federal law that allows individuals to request access to government records and information. With CCR CISPES FOIA, the two organizations work together to request and obtain documents related to the U.S. government's involvement in El Salvador during the 1980s.
How Does CCR CISPES FOIA Work?
CCR CISPES FOIA uses the FOIA to request documents from various government agencies, such as the Department of State, Department of Defense, and Central Intelligence Agency. These documents can include cables, memoranda, reports, and other records related to U.S. policy towards El Salvador.
Once the organizations obtain the documents, they analyze and publish them on their websites to provide a greater understanding of U.S. actions during the civil war. The documents shed light on issues such as human rights abuses, military aid, and political interventions.
FAQs
What has CCR CISPES FOIA uncovered so far?
CCR CISPES FOIA has uncovered numerous documents that reveal the extent of U.S. involvement in El Salvador during the civil war. For example, the organizations obtained a declassified document that showed the U.S. government knew about the Salvadoran military's involvement in the murder of four American churchwomen in 1980, but did not take action.
How does CCR CISPES FOIA promote transparency and accountability?
By obtaining and publishing government documents, CCR CISPES FOIA shines a light on U.S. foreign policy towards El Salvador during the civil war. This allows for greater understanding and analysis of the actions taken by the U.S. government, and can lead to greater accountability for those actions.
Conclusion
CCR CISPES FOIA is a joint project between the Center for Constitutional Rights and the Committee in Solidarity with the People of El Salvador that aims to promote transparency and accountability in U.S. foreign policy towards El Salvador during the civil war. By using the Freedom of Information Act to obtain government documents, CCR CISPES FOIA provides valuable insight into U.S. actions during this period.
