The forced recruitment of children by illegal armed groups in Colombia has quadrupled over the last five years, UNICEF said Thursday, citing a surge in regional violence and a systemic lack of opportunities within vulnerable communities.
“Children are not merely caught in the crossfire; they are being systematically recruited and exploited by armed groups,” said Tanya Chapuisat, the UNICEF Representative in Colombia. She emphasized that the consequences for these youth and their families are devastating, calling for “urgent action” to ensure their protection.
