Protesters in Colombia have been observed using children as “human shields” in confrontations with law enforcement. Dramatic scenes unfolded as protesters picked up young children and advanced towards police lines during violent clashes in Bogota, the capital of Colombia.
Witnesses reported protesters pulling young children to the front line as riot police approached during the demonstration. Images captured a small child clinging to an adult as projectiles were hurled in the midst of the conflict. Other children were seen either being pushed or led forward as demonstrators engaged with Colombia’s public order unit, causing some youngsters to run away in fear upon being released from the front lines.
The clashes erupted when members of Colombia’s indigenous Emberá group obstructed access to the Interior Ministry, reportedly holding over 1,200 public officials inside for an extended period. Interior Minister Armando Benedetti characterized the situation as highly grave, labeling the containment of ministry workers as a form of “kidnapping.”
Subsequently, riot police were dispatched to disperse the protesters and facilitate the exit of the workers from the building. Tear gas was utilized to create evacuation pathways as demonstrators hurled objects at the officers. The presence of children necessitated special precautions by the police to prevent harm to minors, limiting their response.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro denounced the disturbing scenes following the circulation of protest videos, emphasizing the priority of protecting children within society. An ambulance was called to attend to an adult casualty, linked to grievances from Indigenous communities regarding alleged government shortcomings in areas such as repatriation, resettlement, food assistance, and community support.
Authorities confirmed that an Emberá child was affected during the operation and received medical care. Protest groups have persistently gathered in Bogota, demanding resolutions on issues concerning children, teenagers, humanitarian assistance, and assurances for their return to ancestral lands.
Gustavo Quintero, the government secretary of Bogota, highlighted the cautious approach taken in the operation due to the presence of vulnerable individuals. He noted that minors seemed to have been exploited as “protective shields,” complicating the authorities’ ability to intervene effectively. The Colombian Family Welfare Institute (ICBF) lodged a complaint over the alleged use of children during the protest.
ICBF director Astrid Caceres strongly criticized the exploitation of children, offering shelter, food, and accommodations for the minors while allowing adults to continue their protest, although the offer was declined. The Attorney General’s Office and the ICBF collaborated to safeguard the rights of the children present.
