Child protection in Colombia in international comparison

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Colombia is a country that has made great progress in various areas in recent decades. The protection of children in particular has gained in importance, both at national and international level. But how does Colombia compare to other countries? This blog post looks at how Colombia performs in international rankings on child protection, what challenges the country has to overcome and where there are already positive developments - but also where there is still a great need for action.

Where does Colombia stand?

International organizations such as the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and Save the Children regularly publish reports and rankings that assess the progress of countries in the area of child protection. One of these rankings is the "End of Childhood Index", which is published annually by "Save the Children". The index evaluates countries based on various indicators such as education, health, poverty and protection from violence.

Colombia has made remarkable progress in recent years and has improved in the international rankings. In the "End of Childhood Index 2023", for example, Colombia ranked in the upper midfield. Nevertheless, there are still serious challenges that the country needs to overcome, especially in comparison to other countries at similar stages of development.

Special challenges in child protection

  1. The influence of the armed conflict
    One of the biggest challenges that sets Colombia apart from many other countries is its long history of armed conflict. Although the peace agreement with the FARC was signed in 2016, children are still suffering the consequences of the conflict. Many children grow up in communities marked by violence, are at risk from armed groups or are victims of recruitment, abuse and exploitation.

  2. Sexual violence against children
    Colombia has one of the highest rates of sexual violence against children in the region. According to the "Instituto Colombiano de Bienestar Familiar" (ICBF), more than 22,000 cases of sexual violence against children were reported in 2021. However, the actual number is likely to be even higher due to stigmatization and lack of reporting. This problem is particularly serious in rural areas, where state structures are weaker.

  3. Poverty and social inequality
    Poverty remains one of the biggest challenges in child protection. Over 40% of Colombian children live in poverty, making them more vulnerable to exploitation, violence and neglect. Many children have to work to contribute to their family's income, which prevents them from receiving an adequate education and exercising their rights.

  4. Weak institutions and corruption
    Although Colombia has made progress in building state institutions, the enforcement of child protection laws remains a major challenge. The judiciary is often inefficient and corruption continues to be an obstacle that undermines the protection of children.

Positive developments in child protection

Despite these challenges, Colombia has also seen positive developments in recent years:

  1. Stronger legislation and political measures
    In recent years, Colombia has passed important laws to better protect children. One example is the law against the sexual exploitation of children, which provides for stricter penalties for perpetrators. The country has also introduced programs to improve access to education and health services for children.

  2. Peace process and demobilization of child soldiers
    The peace process with the FARC has led to the demobilization of many child soldiers and their inclusion in reintegration programmes. This is an important step towards improving the lives of these children and giving them a future outside the conflict.

  3. International cooperation
    Colombia works closely with international organizations to strengthen children's rights. Initiatives by UNICEF and "Save the Children" support local projects and contribute to improving child protection by reaching the most vulnerable in society in particular.

Need for improvement: Where Colombia still needs to act

Despite the progress made, there are still major areas where Colombia needs to take action to further improve the protection of children:

  1. Better access to education in rural areas
    While school attendance rates have increased in urban areas, access to education in rural and remote regions remains problematic. This not only affects children's future prospects, but also makes them more vulnerable to abuse and exploitation.

  2. Effective implementation of laws
    Colombia has created a good legal framework for child protection, but the practical implementation of these laws remains patchy. Particularly in cases of sexual violence against children, perpetrators need to be held accountable more often in order to send a clear signal.

  3. Social inclusion and poverty reduction
    Reducing poverty is crucial to ensure the long-term safety and well-being of children. More investment is needed in programs that raise the standard of living for families, especially in marginalized communities.

Conclusion

Colombia has made progress in child protection by international standards, but still faces considerable challenges. The armed conflict, social inequality and institutional weaknesses are hurdles that the country must overcome. At the same time, there are positive developments, such as the demobilization of child soldiers and the strengthening of legislation. The road to comprehensive protection for all children in Colombia is still long, but the country can make further progress through targeted measures and international support.