Ekaterina Blinova — FARC, (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) a left-wing militant organization, announced Thursday, February 12, it would suspend recruiting children under 17 years old, increasing the age of its recruits.
Ivan Marquez, also known as Luciano Marín Arango, the FARC guerilla leader and the representative of the group in the current negotiations with the government, elaborated that the militants decided not to recruit minors under 17 years old: "The FARC… has decided from now on not to incorporate minors under 17 years old into the ranks of the guerrillas, and expresses the wish to soon reach a peace accord with social justice."
The Revolutionary Forces of Colombia has been involved in the longstanding military conflict with the government since 1964. The peace negotiations started in late 2012.
