Among the multiple abominable crimes that have been committed for more than six decades by narcoterrorist groups in the country, is the forced recruitment of minors, which has affected thousands of Colombian families because they have lost their children. who have been kidnapped by these social misfits. They have turned them into instruments of war and are being used to strengthen their criminal structures. Since the implementation of the Renegotiated Peace Agreement began, it has allowed us to know the true depths of this harsh reality that Colombian society has been enduring. And now, since Gustavo Petro Urrego assumed the presidency, this detestable inhumane practice has intensified again in some regions of the country, forcing families to leave the territories where these organizations operate.
Even after years of conflict, arrogance, stubborn and thoughtless speeches, the leaders of the extinct FARC are acknowledging their mistake before the JEP. Showing hopeful signs of reflection, several members of the old FARC secretariat decided to change their discourse. Although on several occasions the leaders of the FARC party have made statements denying the forced recruitment of minors, forced abortions and justifying the kidnapping with rhetorical devices, they have now recommitted themselves to truth, justice and reparation. Although the public statements become a good first step, the most important thing is the testimonies and information that they are providing to this High Court and that were reflected in the report prepared by the Truth Commission, to know what happened during the armed conflict.
Recently, some governors of the indigenous councils have denounced to the authorities that their minors continue to be recruited to be linked to narco-terrorist organizations, which are even talking at the dialogue tables promoted by the national government. We all know that this system has been taken advantage of by these criminal organizations to continue strengthening themselves militarily. Acts of violence are being generated daily, such as kidnapping, extortion, vaccinations, thefts, drug trafficking, murders and massacres, among others, which have desperate not only the indigenous communities, but all Colombian families, even if the high government says otherwise. The reality is different in the territories.
Experts predict an increase in the forced recruitment of minors, which is considered an execrable practice, in order to use them as human shields. In the face of this horrible behavior, we must be very clear that the responsibility lies entirely with the recruiters. It is clear that, on this front, all efforts must be directed towards prevention. And these could only be effective if they are leveraged by a comprehensive presence of the State in the territories where there is a risk of these abominable criminal acts.