Latin-American responses regarding the situation involvement of children in armed conflict: A reflection on the experience of El Salvador as a guide for the Colombia's post-conflict case

ABSTRACT Much of the Latin-American population has been affected by armed conflicts, making necessary the revision of every aspect pertaining to the prevention of violence, as well as the mechanisms that seek out to diminish... [ view full abstract ]

ABSTRACT

Much of the Latin-American population has been affected by armed conflicts, making necessary the revision of every aspect pertaining to the prevention of violence, as well as the mechanisms that seek out to diminish the negative effects that it has on the under aged population.

OBJECTIVE

To attempt to show up to what point transition and post-conflict policies have been able to surpass a short-term vision, one that is associated with the simple overcoming of the past, and have managed in a strategic and visionary manner the challenges that come with “the transmission of the effects of violence to new generations with mechanisms like fear, silence, rage, impotence and pain…” with the goal of preventing children from becoming part of new armed and violent structures.

METHOD

This investigation is rooted in an explorative case study, focused on the Central-American region, especially in El Salvador and based upon it suggestions will be formulated for the Colombian case.

With the experience in El Salvador, the intention is to identify if the progress in the matter of truth, justice and repair have developed prevention and protection and child mechanisms tending to diminish the risk of early association with new armed structures that arise in the aftermath of the conflict.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

For the purpose of creating future opportunities, concrete answers will be suggested as the basis for handling the issue of children in scenarios of armed conflict and post-conflict, and more specifically responding to alternatives from public policy that generate means of intervention that keep these young victims from joining violent groups such as gangs or "maras", common crime and drug trafficking groups, will be established.