In 1992, a 22-year-old young man, known as “Rafa”, arrived in El Salvador from his native Holland. His arrival would not only transform his life, but also that of many Salvadoran families still searching for answers and justice after the armed conflict that had ravaged the country. It was there that Rafa met Jon Cortina, a Jesuit priest who dedicated himself to accompanying the people of Chalatenango during the war.
Rafa worked with Jon for the human rights of the victims of the armed conflict. “I participated with him in the human rights team that carried out the work of compiling testimonies from the communities of Chalatenango for the Truth Commission,” Rafa tells for the book ‘An Interview with Jon Cortina’. This work had a profound impact on his life and motivated him to stay in El Salvador to collaborate in the promotion and defense of human rights.
One of the most urgent cases that Rafa and Jon decided to prioritize was that of the children who disappeared during this period. For the next ten years, she worked with Jon in founding the Asociación Pro-Búsqueda de Niñas y Niños Desaparecidos, a project that transformed their lives and those of many others committed to this cause through reunions.
Rafa and Jon worked alongside families in different sectors of the country and dedicated themselves to honoring the memory of those who suffered during the conflict. They began their great work in the department of Chalatenango, and then moved to other departments, collecting testimonies and promoting the search for justice in El Salvador for people who were victims of serious human rights violations in the country. Rafa learned to read in the eyes of fathers, mothers and siblings the need to know the whereabouts of their loved ones.
One of the most significant initiatives they promoted was the compilation of testimonies that culminated in the book “El día más esperado” (The most awaited day). This work gathers the experiences of families who lost their sons and daughters during the armed conflict, and is the result of the joint effort of Rafa, Jon and other friends and family members who helped in the search for these children. Rafa witnessed those moments, which became a symbol of hope for the families separated by the war.
Over the years, Rafa earned a place in the hearts of many Salvadoran families. His commitment and empathy made him a reference in the struggle for truth and justice in the country. Since his arrival, he became a “clear-eyed giant” who, moved by the history of El Salvador, decided to stay and fight alongside his people.
On September 14, 2019, Rafa left this world, but his legacy lives on. Many families still remember the warmth of his friendship and his tireless fight for life. Thank you, “Rafa”, for your essential contribution to the hope and collective memory of a people who continue in the search for justice. Your mark will be eternal in El Salvador.
Information about Ralph Sprenkels' experiences in “Walking with the People: An Interview with Jon Cortina,” documented by Ralph Sprenkels.