El Salvador: CIIR partner demands new laws to protect vulnerable communities

Two hundred women from a CIIR El Salvador partner organisation who suffered during the recent floods and volcanic eruption staged a protest demanding greater protection against extreme climatic phenomena.

The women live in communities most affected by the floods and recent eruption of the Ilamatepec volcano and belong to the association Women's Movement Mélida Anaya Montes (Asociación Movimiento de Mujeres Mélida Anaya Montes).

During their demonstration, the women submitted a document to the legislative assembly asking for constitutional laws which allow: people who have lost their land and homes to be relocated; unused land to be assigned to women and their families; new country planning procedures and new laws banning people from building in risky and protected areas; risk management to be included in local development plans.