As in the darkest days of Colombia’s civil conflict, armed groups across the country continue to enlist and exploit teenagers.
In this investigation about the recruitment of minors in Colombia by criminal groups and insurgents, InSight Crime interviewed dozens of former child soldiers, community leaders, activisits and government officials to track where and how this happens, the roles these children play inside armed groups and how teachers try to protect their students.
Investigation Chapters
Bajo Cauca and Vaupés: Colombia’s Child Recruitment Hotspots
As in the darkest days of Colombia’s civil conflict, armed groups across the country continue to enlist and exploit teenage boys and girls. In this, the first of a three-part investigation by InSight Crime about the recruitment of minors in Colombia by criminal groups and insurgents, we explore where and how this happens.
In Colombia, Child Soldiers Play Many Roles
Children serve in a wide range of roles in criminal organizations: errand boy, landmine builder, frontline combatant and assassin. In this, the second of a three-part investigation by InSight Crime about the recruitment of minors in Colombia by criminal groups and insurgents
Colombia Teachers – Last Line of Defense Against Forced Recruitment
Colombia remains a hotspot for forced recruitment of minors. In this, the last of a three-part investigation by InSight Crime, journalist Mathew Charles looks at how school teachers are trying — unsuccessfully — to thwart this recruitment.
