Reflections from The Ambassador Lecture Series at Maastricht University
On 27 May 2025, H.E. Mr. Agustín Vásquez Gómez, Ambassador of the Republic of El Salvador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, delivered a compelling lecture at the Faculty of Law of Maastricht University, titled “El Salvador in International Law: From Historical Challenges to a Legal Framework for Security and Development.”
Ambassador Vásquez Gómez is a senior career diplomat currently serving his second term in The Hague. During his previous posting (2014–2020), he held several leadership roles, including President of the Fourth Review Conference of the OPCW and Chairman of its Executive Council. He also served as El Salvador’s first Ambassador to Türkiye and later as Permanent Representative to the Organisation of American States (2021–2023). Since 2000, he has held senior positions in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, specialising in multilateral diplomacy, international negotiations, security, and development cooperation.
From deep challenges to hope
Opening the lecture, Ambassador Vásquez Gómez offered a thoughtful reflection on the historical evolution of the country since its establishment as a Republic in the 19th century. He highlighted the complex political and social challenges that have shaped its path, including periods marked by profound inequalities. At the time, the absence of effective international accountability mechanisms underscored the limitations of the global legal framework in responding to large-scale injustices.
The Ambassador explained that the conclusion of the internal armed conflict brought a renewed sense of hope and a collective aspiration for lasting peace. However, the post-conflict period also revealed complex and unforeseen challenges. Social disruptions driven by transnational influences gradually weakened community cohesion and contributed to the rise of organized criminal structures. Over time, these dynamics gave way to widespread insecurity, with gang-related violence becoming a deeply entrenched concern to a point that in 2015 El Salvador was ranked as the most violent country in the world. Nevertheless, since 2019, the country has witnessed tangible signs of progress. Efforts aimed at strengthening institutions, improving public security, and fostering a culture of civic trust have begun to mark a significant turning point in the national landscape.
Three Milestones of Engagement with International Law
El Salvador’s engagement with international law has evolved through a series of defining moments that underscore its commitment to peaceful dispute resolution, democratic consolidation, and the defense of sovereign principles.
In its pursuit of regional stability, the country has turned to international legal institutions to address complex issues related to territorial integrity and cross-border relations, opting for dialogue and adjudication over confrontation. This approach not only brought resolution to longstanding differences but also reinforced confidence in legal mechanisms as tools for peace.
International law also played a fundamental role in El Salvador’s democratic transition. Moreover, El Salvador has demonstrated that, through principled engagement with international fora, states of all sizes can effectively uphold their rights and interests. These experiences reflect a strategic and constructive use of international law to advance national priorities, strengthen the rule of law, and contribute to a more just and rules-based international order.
Judge José Gustavo Guerrero: A Salvadoran Legacy
Ambassador Vásquez Gómez paid tribute to Judge José Gustavo Guerrero, one of El Salvador’s foremost legal figures. Guerrero was the final President of the Permanent Court of International Justice and the inaugural President of the International Court of Justice. He played a foundational role in shaping core principles of international law, including pacta sunt servanda (now enshrined in Article 26 of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties) and the sovereign equality of States (Article 2(1) of the UN Charter).
In 1940, Guerrero famously refused to evacuate the Peace Palace in The Hague as troops during the Nazi era approached, symbolising his unwavering commitment to international justice. He also served as El Salvador’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and authored foundational legislation for the country’s Foreign Service. His legacy is commemorated each year on his birthday, 26 June.
El Salvador Today: Reform and Security
Today, El Salvador presents a striking case of transformation. From civil war and criminal violence, the country has emerged as one of the safest in the region. The turning point came with the election of President Nayib Bukele in 2019 and the implementation of the Territorial Control Plan. This initiative prioritised security alongside substantial investments in education, health, and infrastructure. Over 82,000 gang members were imprisoned, and homicide rates fell dramatically.
The Ambassador addressed concerns raised by international organisations regarding the treatment of prisoners, emphasising the moral dilemma: “Where were these voices when entire communities were being held hostage by criminals?” While affirming the importance of prisoners’ rights, he argued that the collective right to live in peace and dignity must also be respected.
A Platform for Dialogue
The event formed part of The Ambassador Lecture Series, a bi-monthly initiative convened by Professor Fabián Raimondo at the Faculty of Law of Maastricht University. Organised with the assistance of the European Law Students’ Association (ELSA) Maastricht and under the auspices of the Maastricht Centre for Human Rights, the series offers a platform for ambassadors to reflect on international law, international relations and/or diplomacy from a national perspective. This lecture marked the conclusion of the 2024–2025 academic year. The series will resume in September.
For further inquiries about The Ambassador Lecture Series, please contact Professor Raimondo at fabian.raimondo@maastrichtuniversity.nl
Authors: Magdalena Latalska, Ester Špaková, Gaia Ziliani, Maya Herrlett, Nehir Tuyluoglu and Lena Einhorn.
