Recruitment of child soldiers in Colombia is on the rise

In the first three months of 2023, 13 boys and 10 girls ran away from their homes to join drug lord guerrillas. Data from the Colombian Ombudsman's Office show a 53% increase compared to 2022

In southwestern Colombia, the department of Cauca recorded the highest number of cases, with 14. Amall communities and people living in remote rural areas were the hardest hit. Ombudsman Carlos Camargo called on the government to prioritize victims' rights, especially children, before engaging in dialogue with violent groups.