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FARC Commanders Charged with Child Soldier Recruitment
Six former FARC commanders face charges for the forced recruitment of thousands of child soldiers in Colombia, highlighting the ongoing complexities of transitional justice.
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Spain
JusticeHuman Rights ViolationsHuman RightsConflictLatin AmericaPeaceVictims
JepFarc
TimochenkoEl MédicoJoaquín GómezPastor AlapePablo CatatumboCarlos Antonio Lozada
- What charges have been brought against six former FARC commanders by the JEP?
- The JEP, Colombia's transitional justice system, has charged six former FARC commanders with forcibly recruiting at least 18,677 children. The commanders, while not directly implicated in the abuses, were aware of the widespread recruitment and torture of children.
- What methods were used by the FARC to recruit child soldiers, and which communities were most affected?
- The recruitment of child soldiers by the FARC involved threats, deception, and ideological persuasion, disproportionately impacting indigenous communities. Victims faced severe abuse, including sexual violence, forced abortions, and even murder.
- What conditions must the accused meet to avoid imprisonment, and what challenges does the JEP's process face?
- To avoid prison sentences, the accused must admit responsibility, contribute to the truth, and engage with victims, all contingent upon the government's willingness to establish restorative justice programs. The JEP's process faces criticism for its length and lack of sentencing after six years.
- How have the accused former FARC commanders responded to the charges, and what are their criticisms of the JEP?
- The six accused former FARC commanders acknowledged the recruitment of minors in a statement, but await formal notification before fully responding. They criticized the JEP for excessive investigation time, while advocating for a quicker resolution of the case.
- How has the Colombian state responded to the plight of child victims who left the FARC, and what further investigations are being considered?
- The JEP's decision emphasizes the state's failure to recognize and support child victims who left the FARC, further compounding their suffering. The JEP is considering a joint investigation with the macrocase 08, focusing on crimes committed by state forces.