Abstract:

The effects of ongoing conflicts on children and child recruitment and deployment by armed actors around the world are the most urgent problems of the international society. In the case of the Colombian Civil War, which has been going on for more than 60 years, millions of children have been victims of conflicts and have been used and continue to be used by armed actors. This study presents an analysis of child fighters, as one of the most critical issues to focus on for the probable course of the conflict, conflict resolution, and peace-building in Colombia. In this respect, the study first delves into the concept of child fighters and related approaches. In the study, the problem of child fighters in the resolution process and peace-building initiatives in the Colombian Civil War is scrutinized in detail. Correspondingly, the study argues that, despite many shortcomings and failures, the Colombian example presents numerous opportunities to end the conflict and reintegrate demobilized child soldiers into society at the point reached today as it also provides practices that will constitute exemplary sets for the world.

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