Protesters in Colombia have been observed using children as shields during confrontations with the police in Bogota. In disturbing incidents, demonstrators took young children towards police lines amid violent clashes in the Colombian capital.
During the protests, protesters were seen pulling children towards the front line as riot police advanced, with some children visibly terrified as they were brought into the midst of the chaos. The clashes erupted when protesters, including members of Colombia’s indigenous Emberá group, barricaded the Interior Ministry building, holding over 1,200 officials inside.
Interior Minister Armando Benedetti condemned the situation as severe, labeling the actions as a form of “kidnapping.” Riot police eventually intervened to disperse the protesters, utilizing tear gas to create safe evacuation routes while facing objects thrown by the demonstrators. The presence of children hindered the police response, leading to specialized procedures to ensure the safety of minors.
President Gustavo Petro denounced the use of children in the protests, emphasizing the priority of protecting children in society. Emergency services attended to an injured adult during the demonstration, which stemmed from Indigenous communities’ grievances about government support and aid issues.
Authorities reported that an Emberá child was affected during the police intervention and received medical attention. Protesters have been demanding accountability on various issues related to children, humanitarian aid, and the welfare of Indigenous communities in Bogota.
Gustavo Quintero, Bogota’s government secretary, highlighted the need for cautious operations due to the presence of vulnerable individuals, noting that minors were seemingly exploited as shields, hindering law enforcement responses. The Colombian Family Welfare Institute (ICBF) lodged a complaint over the alleged use of children during the protest.
ICBF director Astrid Caceres condemned the exploitation of children and offered support services, which were declined by the protesters. The Attorney General’s Office and the ICBF collaborated to safeguard the rights of the children present during the demonstration.
