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Civil war affects children in Colombia
In Colombia a civil war has been going on for more than forty years. The army, paramilitary groups, rebel groups and drug cartels are fighting each other for power. Because of this long lasting civil war many children have been witnesses of severe violence.
In the last fifteen years more than one million children have lost their homes and an estimated 14.000 child soldiers have been recruited by the various armed groups. Estelle (16): ”I have been fighting for three years. When they told us to go to the frontline, you had to go. It was tough, because we had to walk for days without sleeping and eating. Especially when I saw friends dying, I got really sad.”
Children in Colombia
Peaceful coexistence is an unknown luxury in Colombia. Violence dominates Columbian society. Countless children have lost their homes, saw family and friends die or are subject to domestic violence. A lot of them grow up in impoverished neighborhoods, where the basic services are very poor. They lack future perspective. Just a small part of the Columbian population is profiting from increased prosperity. This inequality gives many children who grow up in poverty a feeling of injustice and powerlessness. For those and many other reasons they are a very easy prey for recruitment as child soldiers.
What is War Child doing
Because of the scale, intensity and length of the conflict, Colombian children are in high need of psychosocial activities. War Child funds six partner organizations in Colombia and helps to improve their implementing capacities. These organizations are focusing on psychosocial support of demobilized child soldiers and on strengthening the psychosocial capacity that empower children and youth in high-risk areas. Attention is also being paid to activities that can help children build a livelihood. This can prevent the youngsters from joining the illegal armed groups. It is of the utmost importance that children and youths open their eyes for peaceful solutions as an alternative to violence.
The activities of War Child's partner organizations are focused at stimulating the emotional and social development of vulnerable children by a variety of creative means, such as drama, arts, dance, photography and radio programmes. They also raise awareness among teachers, parents and other members of the community with respect to the rights and needs of children. The improvement of relationships between youth and their families is an important result that the projects War Child in Colombia aim for. Finally a contribution is made to peace building, in order to change the violent culture; to build trust and respect; and to promote peaceful solutions to situations of conflict
Estelle's story
Estelle participated in a project which helps former child soldiers return into society. She explains: “I couldn’t trust anybody. With the rebels you learn that you only can trust yourself. Now it’s much better. I study and I work. I realize that in spite of all problems, I was able to keep myself going and that I can go on. Before, I only wanted to take revenge. Now I met people who help me and I feel they care about me. My dream is to finish my studies. I am completing the last two years of primary school in one year. Then I want to learn a profession, so that I can work.”
Local Partners
War Child’s partner organizations in Colombia are:
- Centro de desarrollo y Consultoría Psicosocial TALLER DE VIDA - see website
- Fundación Dos Mundos - see website
- Colombian Child Soldiers Coalition - Coalición contra la vinculación de niños, niñas y jóvenes al conflicto armado en Colombia - see website
- Corporación Juan Bosco
- Asociación para la Promoción Social Alternativa, MINGA
- Children and Youth as Peace Builders Colombia (CAP) / Fundación Cultural Rayuela
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UNHCR Situation Map (PDF) March 2006
