COLOMBIA: ICC asked to investigate child soldiers

A Colombian NGO asked the International Criminal Court (ICC) to start an investigation about the recruitment of children by illegal armed groups in Colombia.

The International Humanitarian Diplomatic Mission (MDIH) sent the ICC a petition, asking the Court to “investigate, charge and punish” those groups who recruit minors to serve in their military ranks.

The NGO seeks to “prevent crimes against humanity of the future generations of Colombian boys and girls, who today are kidnapped to take part in the armed conflict,” NGO-president Sergio Tapia says.

According to the MDIH, 14,000 children are currently enrolled in one of Colombia’s armed groups. Not just in the FARC, but also in paramilitary groups.

The NGO sent drawings and audio statements of children who were rescued from armed groups, to back their call for intervention of the ICC.

The ICC has yet not dealt with Colombian crimes against humanity.

Further information

Owner: Colombia reportspdf: http://colombiareports.com/2008/07/01/icc-asked-to-investigate-colombian...

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