Fight for Humanity is releasing a study presenting the lessons learned from the process of separation and reintegration of children from the ranks of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia - People’s Army (FARC-EP) in Colombia. Based on these lessons learned, it makes practical recommendations for the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, which have committed to the United Nations to separate minors from their ranks.
The Colombian experience was analysed through the existing literature and the lived experience of some people who participated in the separation and reintegration process. Based on interviews and participatory meetings with key actors in the same process, this paper formulates lessons learned and recommendations for the parties to the conflict or the parties in negotiation on the one hand, and for the implementing agencies, on the other. Sharing these reflections makes it possible to understand how fundamental the non-recruitment of children is, finding other forms and participatory routes for their separation, reintegrating them into civilian, family, social, and community life, respecting and valuing their participation, contributions and decisions on issues that affect their lives. This study is part of Fight for Humanity's project to support the implementation of the Action Plan to end and prevent the recruitment and use of children signed between the United Nations and the Syrian Democratic Forces in North East Syria. The report is available in English, Spanish and Arabic.