El Salvador has announced significant reforms to its juvenile justice system, enabling life sentences for minors as young as 12 convicted of serious crimes. President Bukele signed these reforms amid a sweeping crackdown on crime, which has sparked widespread controversy and raised serious concerns regarding human rights. Critics argue that framing such legal measures under the guise of addressing violence may contribute to the erosion of rights for vulnerable populations, including children. The decision reflects ongoing debates about how to best handle juvenile crime in a country grappling with a high level of violence.