The recruitment and use of children by armed groups in Colombia has surged by 300 per cent over the past five years, according to verified cases cited in the latest report of the United Nations Secretary-General on Children and Armed Conflict.
The 2024 figures indicate that, on average, one child is recruited or used by armed groups every 20 hours in Colombia.
‘Devastating impact’ on children
UNICEF Colombia Representative Tanya Chapuisat said children are not merely caught in crossfire but are actively targeted for recruitment.
“Urgent action is needed to protect children from recruitment, sexual violence and other grave violations,” she said, warning of long-term psychological and social consequences.
Under international humanitarian and human rights law, recruitment and use of children in armed conflict constitutes a grave violation.
Drivers behind the spike
The rise has been attributed to escalating violence, poverty, lack of access to education and weak infrastructure in rural regions. Children are often coerced through threats, economic pressure or false promises of employment and a better life. Armed groups are increasingly using social media platforms as recruitment tools.
Once recruited, many children are prevented from leaving and face serious risks, including exposure to violence and abuse.
Prevention and reintegration efforts
UNICEF is working with national and local institutions to strengthen child protection systems, improve access to education and essential services, and create safer community environments. Prevention programmes also focus on helping children recognise recruitment risks and build alternative life pathways.
Editors’ notes from the UN stress that children encountered during security operations should be treated primarily as victims under the Child Handover Protocol, rather than perpetrators, consistent with international law.
The UN recognises six grave violations against children in conflict: killing and maiming, recruitment and use, sexual violence, attacks on schools or hospitals, abduction, and denial of humanitarian access.
The latest figures underscore growing concerns over the safety and future of tens of thousands of vulnerable children in conflict-affected regions of Colombia.