Healing for Sexual Violence Survivors in Colombia

Red Hand Day, or the International Day against the Use of Child Soldiers, is observed annually on February 12. Forced recruitment into armed groups continues to be a threat to the well-being of children in Colombia, where documented instances of forced child recruitment have increased exponentially in the last few years. In 2024, the International Crisis Group reported more than 620 cases of forced child recruitment in Colombia, noting likely an undercount, as many cases go unreported.  

MADRE’s partner in Colombia, Taller de Vida (TdV), builds campaigns around commemorative days like Red Hand Day to increase public awareness of child recruitment and mobilize action to prevent it. TdV hosts community gatherings where children and their families can make art and music, play educational games, and receive training to recognize, prevent, and respond to signs of child abuse. In addition to community gathering spaces, TdV also offers formal human rights training sessions, providing educational centers, community leaders, youth organizations, and families with the tools to accompany children and families impacted by armed conflict, forced recruitment, and sexual violence.

Further, TdV convenes non-profit organizations, government agencies, and other civil society stakeholders to collaboratively advance protections for children’s rights, securing commitments to greater action.

Today and every day, MADRE joins Taller de Vida in demanding “no more child soldiers!” Thank you for supporting this vital work.