Deep Dive: Colombia sees a minor recruited by criminal groups every 20 hours on average

Colombia's longstanding conflict with armed groups, including remnants of guerrilla organizations and paramilitary structures, has created fertile ground for the recruitment of minors, a practice rooted in the nation's turbulent history since the mid-20th century when leftist insurgencies like FARC emerged amid rural inequality and weak state presence. Criminal groups, evolving from post-peace accord power vacuums after 2016, exploit poverty-stricken regions to bolster their ranks, using coercion and false promises to minors who lack alternatives. Key actors include dissident factions and drug trafficking networks, whose strategic interests lie in sustaining territorial control for illicit economies like cocaine production, which fuels Latin America's narco-dynamics. Geopolitically, this recruitment sustains instability that hampers Colombia's development and regional leadership in the Andes, drawing scrutiny from international bodies like the UN and OAS that monitor child soldiering as violations of international humanitarian law. Neighboring countries such as Venezuela and Ecuador face spillover effects through migration of displaced families and cross-border criminal operations, while the U.S., a major aid donor via Plan Colombia, sees implications for hemispheric security as empowered groups threaten anti-drug efforts. Culturally, Colombia's diverse ethnic communities in rural areas bear the brunt, perpetuating cycles of violence that erode social fabrics and indigenous traditions. The implications extend to humanitarian crises, with recruited minors facing indoctrination, combat exposure, and sexual exploitation, particularly girls, weakening future generations' potential. Stakeholders range from the Colombian government, struggling with enforcement amid corruption allegations, to NGOs advocating for demobilization programs. Outlook remains concerning without bolstered rural investment and intelligence sharing, as global demand for narcotics perpetuates the demand for cheap, disposable fighters.