Social Media Becomes a Tool for Child Recruitment by Armed Groups in Colombia
By Editor • August 24, 2026 • 1 min read
A staggering 44% of minors recruited by armed groups in Colombia in 2025 were contacted through social media platforms like TikTok and Facebook, reveals a new report from Human Rights Watch. The report, titled "I Thought I Would Never See My Mother Again," is based on extensive interviews and official records, highlighting a troubling trend in child recruitment.
Since 2021, at least 1,500 minors have been identified as recruits, with a sharp increase noted from 342 cases in 2023 to 625 in 2024. Juanita Goebertus, Americas director at Human Rights Watch, emphasized the alarming ease with which armed groups exploit social media amidst failing protection systems.
The report also indicates that the majority of recruitment complaints are concentrated in the Cauca department, primarily involving FARC dissident groups. Indigenous children, despite making up only 4% of Colombia's population, account for nearly half of the cases. Human Rights Watch urged authorities to enhance prevention measures and improve institutional coordination.
Source: en.mercopress.com
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