Protestors in Colombia have been seen using children as “human shields” during clashes with police in the capital Bogota. Shocking images show demonstrators scooping up youngsters and carrying them toward police lines amid violent confrontations over land rights.
Disturbing Scenes at the Protest
During the clashes, protestors were spotted pulling young children towards the front line as riot police moved in. One small child can be seen clinging to the back of an adult while objects are thrown. Other children were pushed or led forward as protesters confronted officers from Colombia’s public order unit. Several youngsters ran in fear as they were released from the front lines of the disorder.
The clashes erupted when members of Colombia’s indigenous Emberá group blocked access to the Interior Ministry, allegedly holding more than 1,200 public officials inside for hours. Interior Minister Armando Benedetti described the situation as extremely serious and labeled the blocking of ministry workers as “kidnapping”.
Police Response and Condemnation
Riot cops were dispatched to clear the demonstrators and allow workers to leave. Tear gas was used to open evacuation routes as demonstrators threw objects at officers. The presence of children reportedly limited the police response, requiring special procedures to avoid injuring minors.
President Gustavo Petro condemned the scenes, stating: “I do not accept this. Boys and girls come first in society.” An ambulance was called for one adult casualty, and authorities reported that one Emberá child was affected during the intervention and received medical attention.
Background of the Protest
The protest is linked to complaints by Indigenous communities over alleged government failures on return, relocation, food aid, and support. Protest groups have been in Bogota for weeks demanding answers on issues involving children, adolescents, humanitarian aid, and guarantees for returning to their territories.
Bogota’s government secretary, Gustavo Quintero, said the operation was carried out with extra caution because vulnerable people were present. He noted that minors appeared to have been used as “protective shields”, affecting how authorities could respond. The Colombian Family Welfare Institute (ICBF) filed a complaint over the alleged use of children during the protest. ICBF director Astrid Caceres said there was “no excuse” for the footage, adding that the agency offered shelter, food, and beds for the children while allowing adults to continue their protest, but the offer was rejected. The Attorney General’s Office and the ICBF were involved in protecting the rights of the children present.
