1. Colombia
fncidence and Nature of Child Labor
In 2001, approximately
14.1 percent of boys and
6.6 percent of giris ages 5
io 14 were working in
Colombia. The malority
of working children were
found in the services
sector (49.9 percent),
followed by agriculture
(35.6 percent),
manufacturing
(12.6 percent) and other
sectors (1.9 percent).*u
The Colombian Family
Welfare hstitute (ICBF)
estimates that about 80 percent of working children work in the informal sector."' In urban
areas, children work primarily in such sectors as cofiunerce, industry, and services."' hr rural
'* UCW analysis of ILO SIMITOC, UMCEF MIC$ and World Bank surveys , Child Ecanamic Aetiaity and School
Attendance Rafes, October 7, 2005,
n*
Government of Colombia , C6digo del Menor, Decree No.2737, (November 27,1989); available from
http: / / wv'rwJcbf .gov / co / espanol/normatividad2.asp.
"" Govemment of Colombia , Canstituci6n Palitica de Colambin de 1991, con rSormashasta mnrzo 2005, Article 67;
available from http: / / www. georgetown.edu /pdba /.n"
Govemment of Colombia, C6digo de Ia Infuncia y la Adolescrneie,I-ey 1098 of 2006, (August29,20A6), Article 28;
available ftornhttp:/ /www.secretariasenado.gov.co/compendio legislativo.htm. See also U.S. Department of
State, "Colombia," inCountry Report on Human Rights Practices- 20A6, Washington, DC, March 6,2007; available
k om http : / / www. s tate. g ov / g / drl / rls / ht rp t / 20A5 / 617 21".htrn.
n"
UNESCO Institute for Statistics, Gross Enrolmsnt Ratio. Priftary. Total, accessed December 20,2006; available
from http://stats.uis.unesco.orgl.
n'n
UNESCO Institute for Statistics, Net Enrolment Rate. Pri*ury. Total, accessed December 2A,2}M;available from
http:/ / stats. uis.unesco.org/.
*"
UCW analysis of ILO SIMPOC, UMCEF MICS, and World Bank suweys, Child Ecanomic Activity and School
Attendance Rates.
*'UNESCO
Institute for Statistics, Suraiual Rste to Grade 5. Tofal, accessed Decenrber 18, 2006; available from
http : / / stats.uis. unesco. org.
*'ILO, Ratifications by Caurtry, accessed December 16,2005; available from
http: / / vwrw.ilo.org,/ ilolex/english/newra{rameE.htm.
-'nO, IPEC Action Against Child l-abor- Highlights 2006. [online] February 2ffi7 [cited March 29,2AA7h available
from http://www.ilo.orgliloroot/docstore/ipec/prod/eng/20070228_Implementationreport_en_Web.pdf .
nn'
ILO, IPEC Action Against Cltild l-abor- Highlights 2006, [onhne] February, 2007 lcited March 29,20071; avai]able
f:_omhttpt/ /www.ilo.org/iloroot/docstorelipec/prod/ eng/20070228_Implementationreport_en_Web.pdf .
*'UCW
analysis of ILO SIMPff, UMCEF MICS, and World Bank surveys, ChiM Econwnic Activity and School
Attendance Rates.
'o U.S. Department of State, "Country Reports- 2006: Colornbia."
97
Fercent,of ehildren 5-14 eStirnated asworkine in 2001:
Minimum age for admission to work:
blic education:
Cross primarv enrolknenf rate in 20&1:
Net primarv enrollment rane in 20M:
Percent cJ children 5-14 atterrdine E€hool in 2001 :
As of 2003; percent,of primary schaol entrantir,like$ to
Ratified Con*ention 138:
Ratified ConVecrtion 182:
*Mu-st pay for school supplies and related items.

2. areasr children work primarily in agriculture and cornmerce.* Many children work as
domestic servants or in family businesses, often without pay.* Children mine emeralds, gold,
clay, and coal under dangerous conditions.t'nu' According to the Colornbia Department of
National Statistics and the Colombian National Mining Company (MINERCOL), estimates of
children working in illegal mines range from 10,000 to 200,000.""" Children are also used in the
cultivation of coca and opium for illegal purposes and in the processing of illicit drugs using
harsh chemicals.t*"
Many children are victims of comrnercial sexual exploitation, including pornography,
prostitution, and sexual tourism.tn* An estimated 25,000 minors work in commercial sex trade
in Colombia, according to a reportby the [:rspector General's Office, and Colombia is a major
source of girls trafficked for the pulpose of commercial sexual exploitation.''* Children are
trafficked internally from rural to urban areas for sexual exploitation and forced labor."uu
Children in Colombia are recruited, sometimes forcibly, by insurgent and paramilitary groups
to serve as combatants in the country's ongoing conflict. In fact, the average age {or deserters
from these-armed groups has gone down, which suggests that younger children are being
recruited.''* Some children have been required to perform forced labor by guerrillas und
paramilitaries.'* Many are forced to participate in and are victims of human rights violations
*'National Administrative Department of Statistics, Encuesta Nqcion-fiJ de Trabajo Infantil: Andlisis de los resultados
de la encuesta sobre caracterizaci1n de Ia poblaci6n entre 5 y 17 afios en Colombia, Bogota, November 2001, 55; available
flornhttp:/ / www.ilo.orglpublic/spanish,/standards/ipec/simpoc/colombia/report/co_rep_200l_sp.pdf.
'* Ibid.
Wa.r
rDrcl./ Page rlc.
"'nn ILO-IPEC , Dingrclstica sobre eI Trabajo Infantil en el Sector Minero Artesanal en Colambia, Lima, 2@1, 49 ,50, 61 and
62; available from
ttp:/ /wvwv.oit.org.pelipec,/dscumentos/http:-www.oit.org.pe-ipec_boletin-documentos*mineriacol,pdf.
tn"t
U.S. Department of State, "Country Reports- 2006: Colornbia," Section 6d.
u'"
IJ.S. Embassy- Bogot6 official, Email communication to USDOL nfficiaf July 31,2007, See also, IOM,
Panorama sobre Ia trata de p*sonas. Desafios y Respuestas: Calambia, Estados Unidos y ReprtWiea Dcmiricana (Bogota:
IOM,2006), 20; available from
http:/ lwv',w.oim.org.colmodulos/contenido/default.asp?idmodulo=7&idlibro=115. See also United Nations
Committee on the Rights of the Child, Consideration of Reports Submitted by States Parties Under Article 44 of the
Convention, Concluding Obsentatians: Colombia, CRC/COL.COI3, Forty-second session, June 8 2006, para 82 and
88; available from
http:/ /www.unhchr.chl$s/doc.nsfl(Syrnbol)/7ca95bbddbe4f7k4l25617b}052d960?Opendocument.
t'n*
IOM, Panorama sobre Ia trata ile personas.,18. See also Ministry of Social Protection, Infonne espeeial sobre aiolencia
cantrs lu infanciu en Colombia, Bogota, ,2006,231; availabie from
h@://www.minproteccionsocial.gov.colentornoambiental/library/documents/DocNewslrlol50S6DocumentN
o1819.PDF. See also U.S. Department of State, "Colombia," nTrafficking in Persons Report- 2007, Washington,
D.C., March 5,2007; available fuomhttp:/ /www.state.gov/g/ttp/rb/tiprpt/2ffi6/.
'""* U.S. Deparhnent of State, "Country Reporb- 2006: Colornbiaj'Section 5.
'"* U.S. Department of State, "Colombia (Tier 1)," n Traficking in Persons Report- 2(N6,Washtngton, DC, June 5,
2006;availablefromhttp:llwww.state.govlg/tiplrlsltiprptl2W6/.SeealsoU.S.Departmentof State,"Country
Reports- 2006: Colombia," Section 5.
'"nob.S. Deparftnent of Statq "Country Reports- 2006: Colombia," Section 5, 6d. See also United Nations
Committee on the Rights of the Child, Concluding Obstrvations: Colombin, para. 80. See also Ministry of Social
Protection, Inforrne especial sobre vialeuein amtra Ia infancia m Colombia,187-228. See also U.S. Embassy- Bogot6
official, Email communication, July 31,2007.
t'''"
U.S. Departrnent of State "Country Reports- 2006: Colombia," Section 5c.
98

3. such as torture and murder."* Many girl combatants are subject to sexual exploitation by
other group members.'* Reportedly, children have been used by goverrunent armed forces as
informants.t"t"
Child Labor Laws and Enforcement
The minimum employment age in Colombia was 14 years in 2006; however,ICBF may make
exceptions for 12 and 13 year-olds under special circumstances.'"tt Authorization from a labor
inspector or other designated authority is required for minors to work.'no The law iirnits
children's r,r'orking hours. Children between 12 and 14 may only work 4 hours per day; those
betiveen 14 and 16 may work 6 hours per day; and those between 16 and 18 may work 8 hours
per day.""' While night work is prohibited,LG and 17-year-olds can work until8 p.m.if
authorized.'n'n The law also prohibits minors from work that may harm their morality as well
as work that is exploitive or hazardous.""' A new law regulating conditions under which
children can work was being developed as this report was being developed
The 2005 Ministry of Social Protection (MSP) Resolution #4448 identifies the worst forms of
child labor that are prohibited for all minors under 18. Minors are not permitted to perform
most work related to: agricultural work destined for market, such as coffee, flowers,
siigarcane, cereals, vegetables, fruits, tobacco, and livestock; fisheries; lumber; mining or work
underground; industrial manufacfuring and bakeries; utilities; construction, painting, and
heavy equipmen! transportation or warehousing; healthcare; defense and private security;
and unskilled labor such as shoe-shining, domestic service, trash collection, messenger service,
doormen, gardening, work in clubs and bars, and street sales.tott Minors must also not work in
conditions where there are loud noises, strong vibrations, rigorous environments, dangerous
substances, poor lighting or ventilafion, activities underground or underwater, biological or
chemical materials, safety risks, or problems due to posture or excessive physical activity.'""
Also, minors may not work under conditions that may harm their psychosocial development,
such as work without pay; work that interferes with mhooling; work that keeps them
'""* Human Rights Watch, You'll Learn Not to Cry: Chitd Combatants in Colombja, Washington, DC, September 2003,
68-77 and 88-98; available from http:/ /www.hrw.orglreports/2A03/colombia0903/.
'"* United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child, Conctuding Obsercatiafis: Colambia, para. 80. See aiso
Human Rights Watch, You'll Learn Nat to Cry,53-59.
""n Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers, "Colombia," nChild Sotdiers Gtabel Report 2004,London, 2004 See
also Human Rights Watch, You'Mearn Nat to Cry,102-103. See also United Nations Committee on the Rights of
the Child, Concluding Obseraations: Colombin, para 80.
""' Cddigo del Menor, (November 27,1989), Article 237-238; available from
www.icbf .gov /co / espanol,/normatividad2.asp.
'' Ibid.. Articles 238-239.
t'"'
Ibid., Article 242.
I DrCt.
'"'u lbid., Articles 245 and246.
""0 Ministrlt of Social Protection, Resoluci1n No 0A4448: por la cua! se desarrolla ta facuttad contenida en eI Cbdigo del
Msnor (December 2,2005); available from
hfry:/ /vnvw.minproteccionsocial.gov.colMseContentlimageslnews/DocNewsNo648901.doc.
""t Govemrnent of Colombia, Rnoluciln Na 4448: por Ia cual se desanoll"a Ia fecultad contenid.a en eI numeral 23 del
articula 245 del Decreto 2737 de 1989 o Cddigo ilel Menor, (December 2, 2005); available from
htt-p:/ /www.minproteccionsocial.gov.colMseContent/images,/news/DocNewsNo648901"doc.
99

4. separated from their families; work under despotic or abusive conditions; in illegal or immoral
situations; or between 8 p.*. and 6 a.m.r except for minors over age t6 (this exception is
conkary to provisions in other laws).'n" hrdividuals must report child labor law violations to
MSP.'." Penalties for violating child labor laws can include fines and the temporary or
permanent closure of violating establishments."*' The ILO CEACR has requested clarification
on exceptions in Resolution #44/.8 that allow adolescents ages L6 andl7 to work at night."'"
The Constitution prohibits slavery and servitude.'n' Human kafficking is prohibited, and
trafficking of children under L8 is punishable by fines and 17 to 35 years incarceration.
Trafficking of children under 12yearc is punishable by 20 to 35 years imprisonment.'"o
Inducing prostitution is punishable by 2.7 to 6 years incarceration and fines. Penalties for
forced prostitution range from 6.7 to 13.5 years incarceration and fines. Penalties increase by
one-third to one-half for both induced and forced prostitution if the victim is under 14 or if the
crime involved international trafficking.'n' Crimes involving child pornography or the
operation of an establishment in which minors practice sexual acts are punishable by 8 to 12
years incarceration and fines."'* The use of the mail or the Lrtemet to obtain or offei sexual
contact with a minor is punishable by 6"7 to 15 years incarceration and a fine, with increased
penalties if the victim is under 12.''* Posting child pornography on the Lnternet is punishable
by fines and the cancellation or suspension of the Web site.'"t Tourist agencies car, be
penalized for involvement in child sex tourism by fines and the suspension or cancellation of
their regiskation.t"o Forced prostitution and sexual slavery related to the country's ongoing
conflict are punishable by imprisonment from 13.3 to 27 years and fines."'"
Minors may not serve in the goveffunent armed forces or perform defense-related or
intelligence activities.'*' The recruitment of minors by armed groups in relation to the ongoing
conJlict is punishable by 8 to 15 years in prison and fines.'*' 'fhe law regards minors that
participate in the country's hostilities as victims.ttB2 11u comrnission of terrorist acts involving
t'"*
rbid.
"t'n C1digo del Menor, Article 247.
'n'" fbid., Articles 262-263.
''' ILO, Individtnt Direct Request concerning Night Work of Young Persons (Industry) Convention, 1g1g {No. 6) Cotombia
(ratification: 1983), Geneva,2&7; available from http:l/www.ilo.orglilolexlenglish/newcountryframeE.htm.
'n' Govemment of Colombia , Canstitucifin Polttice di Colambia, futicle 12.
''' Ibid. See also Governrnent of Colombia , C1digo Penal, with modifications, $wly 24,2000), Articles 188-4 and 1gg-
B; available from http://www.secretariasenado.gov.colcompendio_legislativo.HTM.
'*'Govemment of Colombia, Cddigo Penal, zuith modificatinrcs, Afi.219,214, and 216.
t"'u
rbid., Articles 218.
''oo rbid., Article 21"9-A.
'"" Govemment of Colombia, Decree 1524, Suly 24,z}Al),Articles 4 and 9; available from http://www.i-
uris.com,/ieyesldec/1524.htm. SeealsoGovernmentofColombia,bzw679,(Augrrst4,z}}l),ArticlesTand'10;
available from http: I /www.secretariasenado.gov.co/leyes /L0679001.
tn"
Government of Colombia, Law 679, Articleslg-20.
'"'n Govemment of Colombia, C1digo Penal, with madifications, Article 141.
'*'' Government of Colombia, Resoluci1n 004448, Article 1 and 9.1. See also Government of Colombia , Decreto 128
sobre politica de reincorporaci1n a la vida civil, (2003); available from
hftp : / / v'rvwv.presidencia.gov.colprensa_new/decretoslinea l.
'''' Govemment of Colombia, Cddigo Pe*nl, with modificatbns, Article 162,
'*'Government of Colombia, Ley 7SZ, lOecember 23',2002), Article 15; available from
http: / / v,rww.altocomisionadoparalapa z.gov.co / iwidicos/ ley _782.pdf .
100

5. the participation of a minor is punishable by 16 to 30 years incarceration and fines.''* Armed
grouPs must place all minor recruits with ICBF in order to participate in the government's
demobilization process."* Punishments for crimes involving illegal drugs, such as drug
cultivation, manufacfuring, and trafficking are increased if the crimes involve a minor.'m
The MSP is responsible for conducting formal sector child labor inspections,with2T6
inspectors.''* However, according to the U.S. Deparknent of State, the MSP does not have
sufficient resources to enforce labor laws effectively.'* ICBF, the Children and Adolescent
Police, the Prosecutor General, and Family Commissioners are responsible for enJorcing child
labor laws.'"* The National Police and Prosecutor General investigate and prosecute ch,ild
trafficking and commercial sexual e4ploitation."* The District Attomey's Office has a unit
dedicated to trafficking, sexual violence and victims who are minors.'*
Current Government Policies and Programs to Eliminate the Worst Forms
of Child Labor
The Colombian Govemmenfs National Development Plan 2002-2006 establishes the
eradication of exploitive child iabor as a priority.'*' The Plan for Childhood (2004-2015)
contains provisions relating to child labor, and to specific worst forms including kafficking,
recruitment into armed groups, and commercial sexual exploitation.t* The objectives of the
Third Plan for the Elimination of Child Labor and the Protection of Working Youth 2003-2006
are to increase knowledge and awareness; change cuitural norrns that promote child labor;
improve legislation and public policy; and implement strategies that address these
problems.'* The Inter-institutional Committee for the Eradication of Child Labor has
conducted trainings; it also maintains a child labor information system.'* The MSP and the
"* Government of Colombia, Codigo Penat, with modifitntions, Articles 343 and 344.
'* Govemment of Colornbia, Ley 975, $u!y 25,2W5i, Article 10; available from
h@://www.presidencia.gov.colleyes 12015/iul1alley9752517}5.pdf. See also Govemment of Colombia, Decreto
4760 Por el cual se reglametta parcialmente la ley 975 de 2U)5, (Decernber 30, 2005), Article 3; available from
http:/ /www.altocomisionadoparalapa z.gov.co/ noticiaa/2ffi6 / enero/documentos/decreto4Z60.pdt.
'nu'Government of Colonlbia, Cddigo Pena!, with modifications, Articles 375 and 384.
'*o Cddigo del Mnrcr, Article 261. See also U.S. Department of State, "Country Reports- 2006: Colombia," Section
6d.
'*'U S Deparhnent of State, "Country Reports- 2006: Colombia," Section 6d.
*" C1diga de la Infancia y Ia Adoleseencia, Ley fi98 E 2W6, (Nouertber 8,2AA6, Articles 11,79-95; aztailable from
h^!^lp:l/raww.seeretariasEnaila.goa.co/cowpendio-Iegislatiw.htm. ke also Codiga de! Menor, Article 288.
'nn'National Agency for Police News, Operaci1n "Patrin 36 y 37", pt"r, ."|"ur", Monteria, Iune 2006; available from
hfry:/ /www.policia.gov.colinicio/portal/portal.nsf lpag;nas/BoletinesdePrensa. See also National Agency for
Police News, operaci6n Repiblica 5, press release, Bogota, February 14, 2006; available from
http:/ /www.policia-gov.colinicio/portal/portal.nsflpaginas/BoletinesdePrensa.
''*" Dimmsionn de la trata de Wsoruts en Calombia,28.
'l'l-ry"!i9n"t f!rying Department, Plan Nacional de Desarollo 2002-2ffi6: Hacia un Estada Comunitario,Bogota, ,
2003,209; available {romhttp:/ lwww.dnp.gov.colarchivos/documentos/CCRP_PND/PND.pdf.
'*' Govemment of Colombia, Plan Decenal de Infancia (2004-2015) para Colombis,20, 9L,33, 35-96, 4041; available
from http: / /www.icbf .gov.co/espanol/decenal.htm.
''*'ILO and Inter-institutional Committee for the Eradication of Child Labor and Protection of the Youth Worker,
III Plan Nacional para Ia Erradicaci1n del Trabajo Infantil y la Protecciin del Trabaja luuenil 2A$-2006, Bogot6, 2003, 51-
52; available from http://www.oit.org.pelipec/documentos/3erptan03_06.pdf.
''* u.S. Department of State, "Cormtry Reports- 2006: Colombia,"-secdon 6d.
101

6. National University of Colombia have worked to eradicate exploitive child labor through a
media campaign, community and school education, and inter-institutional coordination.''*
The Government of Colombia also participates in projects to combat child labor with the
assistance of foreign governments and international organizations. The government
participates in a USD 3.5 millioru 4-year USDOL-funded project implemented by World Vision
to combat exploitive drild labor by improving basic education. This project seeks to withdraw
2,081 children from hazardous agricultural labor and prevent a further 2119 children from
entering that work."* The Colombian Institute of Geology and Mining implements a project
with UNDP to eradicate child labor in mining.'*' With support from ILO-IPEC and Canada,
the government executed a child labor survey and contributed to the consolidation of the
National Policy for the Prevention and Elimination of Child Labor."*
ICBF administers programs that provide services to former children soldiers and seek to
prevent further recruitment of children by armed gtoups.'*' These programs receive
assistance from the United States and from several foreign govemments and international
organizations."''' The Ministries of Defense and Interior assist through the demobilization of
child soldiers, who are tumed over to the ICBF.'*' The Colombian Government participated in
a 3-year, USD 7 millioru inter-regional ILO-IPEC project funded by USDOL to combat the
involvement of children with armed groups. This project, which ended ir.z0fJ.7, sought to
withdraw 5.264 children from child soldiering and prevent an additianal4,250 children from
becoming child soldiers in seven countries, including Colombia.t"ut
The Government of Colombia has developed a National Plan of Action for the Prevention and
Eradication of Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Boys, Girls, and Adolescents Less than L8
'*u Center for Social Shldies National University of Colombia, Informe sobre las acciones reali.zndas en eJ desarrollo deJ
conamio interadministratiaa A47 de 2005, Bogota, ]une 9, 2006, 3-4.
'*o World Vision, Combating Exploitive Child L"abor Through Education in Colambia,prcject document, Washington,
DC,2005.
'*'ICBF, "PEPTIMA, un ejemplo para las comunidades mineras," Diilogos,July 2005, 8; available from
http:/ /v'rv,rw.oit.org.pe,/spanish/260ameri/oitreg/activid/proyectoslipec/documentos/bol_min_col*icbf.pdf.
See also Maria del Pilar G6mez Herrera, "De la oscuridad de las minas a la luz de la fotografia," inHechos del
Callej6n, Bogota: UNDR October 2006, 18 and 20; available from
htrp:/ /indh.pnud.org.co/fileslboletin_hechos,/Boletin-hechos_del_callejon_19_opt.pdf.
''"* ILO-IPEC official Email communication to USDOL official, November l6,2AM.
'*n Colombian Family Welfare Institute, Sensicios del lrctituto Colombiano de Bienestar Fa/ftilinr, [online] [cited
October 8,2O06); available fuomhftp / /www.icbf.gov.colespanol/general1.asp. See also, IOM and U.S. Agency
for lnternational Development Mission to Colsmbia , Post-Emergency Assistance to Displaced Groups, Receptor
Communities and Vulnerable Popul*tions Pragraw,22nd Quarteily Report, March 2006; available from
http://pdf.usaid.govlpdf-docs/PDACH020.pdf. See also, IOM,Programmes end Projeets: Excombatant Children,
[online] [cited January 9,2AA6]; available from
http: / /www.oim.org.colmodulosl contenido/default.asp?idmodulo=145.
'''n IOM, Prograrumes and Projects: Excombstant Children. See also IOM and U.S. Agenry for International
Development Mission to Colombia, Support Pragramfar Ex-Combatant Childrrn- Colombin,20th Quarterly Report,
March 2046,3; available from
http://dec.usaid.gov/index.cfm?p=sparch.ge(itationgcrup-4892&16&CFfOKEN=3r101ffiO0&rec_no=140442.
'*' Minist y of Defense, Reclutmnisnta de Msnores: Otra agresihn de los grupos ilegales contra Ia nifr.ez colombinrw,
J31uary 26, 2AA6; available fromhttp: / I alpha.mindefensa.gov,co/index.php?page=181&id=3295.
""' ILO-IPEC , Pranention anil Reintegration of Chilfuen lnaolved in Armed Conpictl An lnter-Regional Program, project
document, Geneva, September 17, 2003.
r02

7. Years of Age (2006-?011). This plan establishes such objectives as generating information,
developing and applying legislation, prevention, provision of services to childrery institutional
capacitybuilding, and participation of children in the plan.'"o The National Police's program,
"Colombia without Prostitution," uses family and community education to prevent the
commercial sexual exploitation of children.'"* The government participates in a USDOL-
funded ILO-IPEC regional project costing USD 5.5 miilion to combat child domestic labor and
commercial sexual exploitation. The goal of this project is to withdraw 2,185 children from
exploitive child labor and prevent2,92A children from entering such work."*
The Inter-institutional Committee against Trafficking in Persons and various ministries have
implemented various anti-trafficking awareness-raising activities within Colombia, including
enclosing flyers about trafficking in newly issued passports; installing inJormation kiosks at
major airports; producing short television ads and a daytime soap opera about trafficking;
making presentations for at-risk school children; and assisting with the development of
departmental and municipal anti-trafficking plans.'* The Committee also maintains a
database of trafficking cases and promotes collaboration between agencies."'" Colombian
foreign missions and the National Police provide assistance to trafficking victims that includes
referrals to IOM repatriation services and information on legal protections."'*
The Ministry of Education's (MEN) Policy Guide for Vukrerable Populations includes
strategies to address child labor."* The military distributes educational kits to schools in areas
where children are at risk for recruiknent into armed groups, and awareness-raising materials
for children to prevent involvement in armed groups.t'o'
'nu' ICBF-UNICEF-ILGIPEC Fundaci6n Renacer, Plan de acci1n para la prevenci1n y erradicaci1n de la explotacin
sexual comercial de nifios, nifras y adalescentes menores de'1.8 afros 2006-20011, Bogota, 20A6,43.
"* ECPAT Intemational CSEC Database, Cala*tbia, accessed June & 2007; available fromhttp://rwvrv.ecpat.net.
"* ILO-IPEC , Prrosntian and Elimircatian of Child Domestic l-abour (CDL) and of Commercinl Sexual Exploitation of
Children (CESO in ChiIe, Calambia, Peraguay and Pxu, preect document, Geneva, Septernber 8, zO0 , 27 .
'*o tLS. Embassy- Bogota, reporting, December 6, 2005. See also U.S. Department of State, "Trafficking in Persons
Report- 2006: Colombia." See also Ministry of Communication, Qui es luternet Sano, [onlinel [cited October 10,
20051; available from http: / /www.intemetsano.gov.colque-es.htm. See also National Police News Agenry, "Que
Nadie Dafie Tus Suefios", press release, August 9,2AA6; available fron'r
http://www.policia.gov.col_85256EA10053F753.nsf /01AA9949A80C6E0D510525712C0048FCA9?Open.
'*'U.S. Departrnent of State, "Cotmtry Reporb- 2006: Colombia."
'** Ibid. See also U.S. Deparhrent of State, "Trafficking in Persons Report- 2006: Colombia."
"on Minisky of Education, Lineawientos de politica para la atencin educntiva a pobl.adonrc aulnerables, Bogota, July
2005, 32-35; available fromhttp / / www.mineducacion.gov. co / cvn/ L665 / arttcle-90668.htm1.
'''on Ministry of Defense, Reclutamirrtto de Menores. See also United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child,
Concluding Obsercations: Colsmbia, para 80.
103