- The former Colombian rebel group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, is under investigation for allegedly recruiting more than 18,000 children to participate in guerrilla conflicts against the country.
- The Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) court was established to investigate crimes and atrocities committed during the conflict.
- Approximately 26 former Marxist guerrilla fighters were called to provide “voluntary” testimony in these events.
A special court said on Tuesday that Colombia’s former rebel group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, is under investigation for allegedly recruiting more than 18,000 children to participate in guerrilla conflicts against the state.
The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) signed a peace agreement with the government in 2016 to end more than half a century of armed conflict.
As part of the agreement, a Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) court was established to investigate crimes and atrocities committed during the conflict.
JEP Chairman Eduardo Cifuentes said at a press conference in Bogotá:
The provision of tools for boys and girls during the conflict has caused suffering to Colombian society.
The court stated that the investigation involved 18,667 children under the age of 18, of which 5,691 were 14 or under, which violated international humanitarian law.
JEP said in a statement: “The FARC-EP systematically recruits and uses to develop armed conflicts between boys and girls of this age, which runs counter to their own regulations.”
Approximately 26 former Marxist guerrilla fighters were called to provide “voluntary” testimony in these events.
After that, the judge of the court will decide whether to bring charges of “international crimes” related to the recruitment of children, including enforced disappearances, murders, and sexual violence.
If the convicted person assumes responsibility and pays compensation to the victim, the court will give them a penalty in lieu of imprisonment.
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