Children and youth ex-combatants in Colombia: Why do they engage and separate from war?

Abstract

This article examines the complex situation of children and youth involved in armed groups in Colombia, as a result of a documentary research review that included local, national and international research, informal conversations with youth and families, and focus groups with some psychosocial professionals engaged with youth ex combatants. As conclusion, it is argued that this involvement is due to interrelated historical, social, family and relational situations that render the phenomenon to be expected. Children and youth are trapped by the war logics as recruitment, coercion, persuasion and seduction. However, it is also suggested that enlisting in the war is an opportunity for them to ensure their physical and social survival as well as, nevertheless paradoxical this may seem, a protective strategy in a hostile environment. It is analyzed that they are looking for life not just for death and even after their unlinking, they are still warriors but without arms.