Child Recruitment on the Rise by Armed Groups in Colombia

Child recruitment by armed groups has risen sharply in Colombia as the government fails to respond effectively, according to a 102-page report released on August 24, 2026, by Human Rights Watch. The report examines the dynamics of child recruitment, the factors that place minors at risk, and the strategies utilized by armed organizations—including social media platforms—to lure children into their ranks.

At least 1,500 children have been recruited since 2021, based on data from the Ombudsperson Office reviewed by Human Rights Watch. While comprehensive data remains lacking, available official figures indicate a steep increase in cases starting in 2023. Dissident groups that emerged from the demobilized Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia guerrillas are responsible for the vast majority of reported cases. More than half of all documented incidents are concentrated in the southwestern state of Cauca.

Vulnerable Populations and Methods of Recruitment

Indigenous communities account for nearly half of all reported cases despite making up just 4 percent of Colombia’s population. Furthermore, over 30 percent of the victims were children between the ages of 10 and 14, a practice that constitutes a war crime under international law. Armed and criminal factions exploit poverty, social exclusion, domestic violence, and educational barriers by offering children false promises of power, money, and prestige.

Intermediaries and civilian recruiters, who receive payments of up to US$1,000 per child, frequently carry out the recruitment process. These activities sometimes take place inside rural schools and boarding facilities. Once recruited, children are often transferred to different regions to isolate them from their families and communities, making escape difficult. While some receive military training, others are assigned to gather intelligence, serve as messengers, provide medical care, guard hostages, participate in drug trafficking, or act as bodyguards, with girls facing a high risk of sexual violence.

Role of Social Media Platforms

Armed groups increasingly rely on social media platforms such as Facebook and TikTok to glorify armed group membership, post ruses disguised as job offers, and communicate with minors through public chat forums and private messaging. According to Human Rights Watch, platforms have failed to effectively detect, remove, or prevent this content, and algorithms sometimes promote these posts to widen the armed groups’ reach.

When contacted by researchers, representatives from Meta and ByteDance stated that their policies explicitly prohibit content that promotes violent organizations and that they maintain protection mechanisms for minors. Both companies confirmed they removed specific profiles flagged by Human Rights Watch for containing explicit recruitment material.

Shortcomings in Government Response and Justice System

Human Rights Watch found that government policies designed to prevent recruitment, rescue children, and assist in reintegration suffer from major deficiencies. The National Public Policy on Prevention, passed in 2018, is outdated and lacks a clear action plan or dedicated budget. Additionally, the Intersectoral Commission for the Prevention of the Recruitment and Use of, and Sexual Violence against, Children and Adolescents lacks enforcement capacity and local resources.

The justice system has almost entirely failed child victims. Over the past decade, roughly 1 percent of criminal complaints regarding child recruitment led to a criminal investigation, and only 0.2 percent resulted in a conviction, mostly involving low-level perpetrators. In the absence of state protection, local organizations—such as Indigenous unarmed guards—have stepped in to protect and rescue children, frequently at grave personal risk.

Human Rights Watch called on the administration of President Abelardo de la Espriella to adopt a comprehensive security and justice policy to halt these human rights abuses. The organization urged the government to ensure municipal agencies have adequate staff and resources while collaborating directly with Indigenous leaders to safeguard children across the country.