‘Never touched a gun’: Colombia fighters step up child soldier recruitment

Key Concepts

• Indigenous Guards
• Territorial Control
• Child Recruitment
• Armed Groups (FARC dissidents, ELN, Gulf Clan)
• Total Peace Plan
• War Council
• UN Statistics on Child Recruitment

Indigenous Guards Establishing Territorial Control in Totoró

The video highlights the efforts of indigenous guards in Totoró, located in the Cauca department of Southeast Colombia, to preserve their land from armed groups. Totoró has been significantly impacted by a resurgence of fragmented armed groups vying for control over territory for illicit activities, primarily drug trafficking.

Oscar's Concerns and the Indigenous Guard's Role

Oscar, a leader in Totoró, expresses deep concern over the alarming rise in child recruitment in recent years. He states, "We have seen an alarming rise in child recruitment lately. What we do is go to the guerrillas and try to get them back. We in our territories have the fundamental rights to protect our children." The indigenous guard in this region is responsible for defending their communities. They utilize symbolic elements for defense, such as batons and blue vests, and do not carry weapons. The presence of FARC dissident groups is strong in the area, making their checkpoint duties extremely dangerous, as they have faced armed attacks in the past.

President Petro's "Total Peace" Plan and the Reality of Rearmament

Colombia's President Gustavo Petro came into power with a "total peace" plan aimed at disarming armed groups. However, the escalating child recruitment indicates that some of these groups are actively rearming. This rearmament is not limited to remnants of the FARC, which laid down its weapons in 2016, but also includes the ELN and drug cartels like the Gulf Clan.

Escaped Children's Testimonies and the Brutality of Armed Groups

The report details the experiences of children who managed to escape from these armed groups. A 15-year-old girl, who joined a group last year and escaped in June, recounted the fear and the tragic fate of another child. She shared, "One of the children there told me, 'Let's get out of here,' but I was afraid, so I didn't." This child who attempted to escape was caught and, in front of others, was executed by being shot in the head. Most children interviewed stated that those attempting to leave face a "war council" and are subsequently executed.

UN Data and the Scale of Child Recruitment

According to the UN, child recruitment has increased by over 30% in the past year. Luni, who works with escaped children, currently cares for more than 40. She reports, "We currently have a file with at least 816 cases with their names and data. But we also have to know that there are many in those groups that we don't know who they are or where they are." The fear among families prevents them from reporting missing children, contributing to the hidden scale of the problem.

Growing Threat and Strategic Use of Children

The Colombian government and indigenous guards are confronting an escalating threat from armed groups that are increasingly using children as a strategic element to replenish their ranks and expand their power.

Conclusion

The video underscores the critical and dangerous work of indigenous guards in Totoró, Colombia, who are on the front lines of defending their territories and children from armed groups. Despite the government's "total peace" initiative, the persistent and rising child recruitment, coupled with the brutal enforcement of loyalty by these groups, presents a significant challenge. The UN data and the testimonies of escaped children reveal the widespread and devastating impact of this practice, highlighting the urgent need for effective measures to protect vulnerable youth and dismantle these armed organizations.