This report examines the connection between sexual violence and recruitment into armed groups within the Nasa Indigenous community in the North Cauca, Colombia. The findings are based on interviews and focus groups conducted in July 2024 with key actors from the Nasa community, such as members of the Indigenous Guard and leaders from the Association of Indigenous Cabildos of Northern Cauca (ACIN), specifically from the 'Women's' department and the 'Defense of Life' department of the organization.
The study reveals that some survivors of sexual violence join illegal armed groups seeking justice, as local mechanisms often fail to hold perpetrators accountable. This is exacerbated by unequal gender norms, limited family and community support for survivors and systemic barriers to justice.
In collaboration with the ACIN, the report offers recommendations for gender-sensitive conflict prevention and reintegration efforts that consider the distinct needs of Indigenous communities and those of survivors. These include improving policies and guidance, enhancing training and capacity-building, strengthening documentation and data collection on the issue, increasing survivor support services and promoting normative change.
Citation: Ángela Aguirre, Ángela Gómez, Juanita Vélez, Sofia Rivas, Dr. Siobhan O’Neil, “Sexual violence and the Struggle for Justice: The Involvement of Indigenous Nasa Survivors in Armed Groups in Northern Cauca”, Findings Report 38, UNIDIR, Geneva, 2024, https://doi.org/10.37559/MEAC/24/09