Cartas de Niñas, niños y adolescentes a la Comisión para el Esclarecimiento de la Verdad, la Convivencia y la No Repetición

The conflict armado colombiano has had a devastating impact on the lives of niñas, niños, and adolescentes. Las formas en que las niñas, niños y adolescentes han sido víctimas son múltiples, and in many cases, the numbers do not capture the full extent of the harm. The relatos that have been shared in the cartas visibilizan and amplify the understanding of the role of the niñez in the conflict armado colombiano, not only as victims but also as sujetos empoderados and activos who manifest and demand recognition of their fundamental role in the construction of paz. The rights to life, education, and family are among the most vulnerable rights for niñas, niños, and adolescentes. Los hechos victimizantes of homicide, violence, and mutilations by mines are recurrent in the relatos, highlighting the direct and immediate impact of the conflict armado on this population. Trastornos psicológicos and recuerdos del conflicto are also identified as long-term consequences of the war. The conflict armado colombiano has had a profound impact on the lives of niñas, niños, and adolescentes, leaving them huérfanos, paralíticos, or with trastornos mentales. The relatos shared in the cartas highlight the existence of a relationship between the lack of educational opportunities and economic opportunities, and the reclutamiento and utilización of niñas, niños, and adolescentes by grupos armados. The desintegración familiar and separation from their families are among the most severe consequences, affecting the núcleo familiar and the garantía of their rights. The conflict armado colombiano has been originated and relatado by personas adultas, who are also identified as responsible for the conflict. The niños, niñas, and adolescentes manifiestan in their cartas the firm conviction that the conflict armado must end. They recognize themselves as agents fundamentales in the construction of paz, and invite the adultos to listen to their voices and make them heard.