Colombia - Soñar es un derecho (Dreaming is a Right) is the new mass information campaign launched this week in Bogota by IOM, Colombian singer Juanes and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to prevent the recruitment of minors by illegal armed groups in Colombia.

As the leading voice of the campaign and winner of 19 Latin Grammy Awards, Juanes explains: “Violence, inequality and lack of opportunities set the stage for this campaign.  Music and other artistic expressions offer an opportunity for a different way of life for many young people today.  I believe it is worth investing in education and art because it is our way to narrate our story, to think about ourselves, to resist war, and, above all, to never forget the violent past.”

Dreaming is a Right aims to raise public awareness on forced recruitment.  Using the slogan Yo Protejo or I Protect, the campaign’s messages appeal to all Colombians to keep children away from the armed conflict, through TV ads, a website (www.yoprotejo.org), social media and print materials.

The campaign is already underway in 14 municipalities that are especially vulnerable to recruitment by illegal armed groups.  A total of 720 minors, involved in youth groups, were trained to use art and communication as a strategy to resist violence.  To spread the message, the campaign is sponsoring peace education meetings, exhibits and workshops partnering with different institutions and NGOs.

The initiative has already been joined by the Intersectorial Commission for the Prevention of Recruitment and Use of Children and Adolescents by Illegal Armed Groups; the Colombian Family Welfare Institute (responsible for the government´s child policy); the Ministries of Education and Culture; the Colombian Reintegration Agency; the World Bank; UNICEF; the Norwegian Refugee Council; the media;  other artists including Miguel Bosé and Fonseca; and thousands of citizens committed to peace and reconciliation.

Although there are no exact numbers, it is estimated that many children are still involved in the guerrilla or with criminal bands.  An average of one child per day is rescued from illegal armed groups by the Colombian authorities.  Between November 1999 and June 30, 2012, the Colombian Family Welfare Institute provided assistance to 4,935 children who had abandoned these groups.

It is estimated that 83 per cent of minors who were linked to illegal armed groups were victims of family violence; 57 per cent were employed before their recruitment, 30 per cent of them were working in coca plantations; and 25 per cent had dropped out of school.

Marcelo Pisani, IOM Chief of Mission in Colombia said, “We want to raise awareness and mobilize Colombian society against the forced recruitment of minors.  Under no circumstances should a child be involved in war.  Every member of society is responsible for their protection and must report and prevent these crimes.  This is what this project is all about.”

Since March 2001, with funding from USAID, IOM has been implementing the Support to Ex-Combatant Minors and Children at Risk of Recruitment by Illegal Armed Groups programme, which focuses on strengthening the capacity of the government to guarantee the rights of children.

For further information, please visit the Campaign Website at www.yoprotejo.org (available in English and Spanish), follow it on Facebook (Yo Protejo) or Twitter (@Yoprotejo) or write to info@yoprotejo.org.  

For more information on Juanes, please go to: info@juanes.net.

For other information, please contact

Jorge Gallo
IOM Bogota
Tel: +57 1 639 7777
Email: jgallo@iom.int