The International Office for Human Rights Action on Colombia

Parliamentary question on child and adolescent recruitment in Colombia

Colombia is experiencing several armed conflicts, one of the recurrent crimes is the recruitment of children and adolescents by armed groups. The social movement calls on all actors to respect IHL and in particular children and adolescents who are the future of the country. This is why MEP Leila Chaibi’s question is very necessary. It is important to question the European Union on this issue.

Here is the full text of the question presented by the MEP on 30 April, which can be found on the website of the European Parliament at this link. From the social organisations we will be waiting and monitoring the response of the European Commission.

Recruitment of children and adolescents by armed groups in Colombia

Representatives of the Nasa people recently reported the serious situation of children and adolescents being recruited in the north of Cauca, with 120 cases recorded in 2024. The Ombudsman’s Office of Colombia (institution defending human rights) has recorded 409 cases at national level, including 300 in Cauca; 51% of the victims were indigenous people and 39% were girls.

The UN Secretary-General’s report on children and armed conflict in Colombia highlighted a 58% increase in cases between 2021 and 2023 compared with the previous reporting period. Recruitment is often accompanied by physical, psychological and sexual violence.

  1. The EU supports the peace processes in Colombia, but what measures have been taken to end the recruitment of minors by armed groups, and what specific steps will the EU take to put pressure on armed groups, ensuring that they respect international humanitarian law?
  2. What initiatives have been put in place to protect children and adolescents and prevent them from being recruited in this way, especially those who come from the most vulnerable communities?
  3. Will the EU step up its support for local stakeholders involved in protecting the rights of children in areas affected by the conflict?

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