HRW: Colombia child recruitment hits record, social media amplifies

Human Rights Watch (HRW) released a report on August 24, 2026, documenting a sharp rise in the recruitment of children by armed groups in Colombia, with at least 1,500 minors recruited since 2021 Source: El Colombiano. The report, titled "Pensé que nunca volvería a ver a mi mamá," draws on data from the Ombudsman's Office and the Prosecutor's Office, which show a significant increase starting in 2023, reaching record levels in 2024 Source: El Colombiano. HRW's Americas director, Juanita Goebertus, stated that "each child recruited is an indication of the government's failure" Source: El Nacional.

Role of social media

A central finding is the use of platforms like Facebook and TikTok. HRW reviewed over 70 profiles and found content that "glorified the armed life" and promoted deceptive job offers Source: ABC. The organization alleges that the platforms' algorithms "seem to even promote" such content, amplifying its reach Source: El Mundo. Researchers noted that while direct searches for groups like the FARC may be blocked, using hashtags or emojis (e.g., a ninja with a Colombian flag) reveals recruitment content Source: El Tiempo. Meta and ByteDance stated they removed flagged content and prohibit such material, but HRW argues the response is insufficient Source: Infobae.

Victims and perpetrators

The report details that nearly half of the victims are Indigenous, and girls represent 40% of cases, exposed to sexual violence Source: Clarin. The FARC dissidents, particularly the Estado Mayor Central, are responsible for 74% of cases, with the Cauca department most affected Source: La Republica. Children are used for combat, intelligence, and operating drones, often presented as a game Source: Clarin. HRW calls on President Abelardo de la Espriella to strengthen prevention policies and institutional coordination Source: Diario Libre.