BOGOTÁ - The Working Group on mercenaries hailed the signing of a new law in Colombia by President Petro which ratifies the 1989 International Convention on Mercenaries. It also warned of the risks of rising recruitment of Colombians abroad to armed conflict and private security roles.
"The expedited review and full implementation of the new law to prevent illegal mercenary activities is an essential step towards protecting human rights and upholding international obligations," the experts said in a statement at the end of a visit to the country.
Colombia's decades-long armed conflict resulted in the growth of armed actors and private security companies (PSCs). While progress has been made in human rights reforms and reintegration of former combatants, challenges persist. Over 10,000 Colombians are recruited into armed conflicts worldwide, both through legal and irregular means. "There is a need for more precise data, and we must address the root causes of recruitment as this trend is likely to grow," the experts said.
Colombian nationals, mostly former military, are among those most in demand into security roles and armed conflicts. Significant economic incentives, lack of employment opportunities and heightened online recruitment have increased travel abroad for employment, including for active combat roles. Families of affected Colombians who have died or disappeared in the battlefield, struggle to obtain information particularly where predatory or deception recruitment has taken place.
"High numbers of unregulated PSCs, unlicensed weapons and high-level technologies, including drones and advanced surveillance tools, pose serious risks to human rights and security," the experts said.
They noted that legitimate employment in the military and security roles abroad are important sources of livelihood for Colombians, but warned that the use of mercenaries is prohibited under international law.
The Working Group recommended coordinated inter-agency actions, international cooperation, public awareness campaigns, and improved economic opportunities to prevent recruitment abroad.
"Effectively tackling mercenary recruitment is not just a national issue, it requires robust regional and global cooperation given its transnational nature," the experts said.
The Working Group will present its full report and recommendations to the UN Human Rights Council in September 2026.
