War in Colombia
War has been part of everyday life in Colombia for the last 35 years. This means that many children don't know what it's like to live without the fear of attacks, kidnappings and fighting thousands of people are killed there every year. In fact, Colombia has more kidnappings than any other country in the world.
Different groups of terrorists are fighting each other for control of the land, which is rich in natural resources, such as gold, emeralds and timber. Whoever controls these natural resources makes the most money. But innocent, unarmed Colombians get caught in the middle.
Global Gang interviewed Josefa, 13. Like many other children in Colombia, she is shocked and frightened by the fighting.
'I pray each night for peace. It makes me very sad to hear about the war, because I know they've been kidnapping innocent children who shouldn't have to pay for what others do,' she says. 'I don't think it's right to fight and people shouldn't carry weapons. In school, lots of the boys say it's good to have weapons to defend yourself, but I think weapons don't bring any benefits, they just bring more war.'
We also interviewed Esteban, 15, who knows boys who have been kidnapped.
'We need peace, but they're just fighting so the war goes on', he says. We pray for peace, less violence and less kidnapping.
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Christian Aid/Judith Escribano
Josefa with her dog, 'Pecas', which means 'Freckles'!
Christian Aid/Judith Escribano
Esteban
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