What do the girls who have been serving since adolescence in the rebel group of Colombia look like
Colombian photographer Fernando Vergara went deep into the jungle of Putumayo to show the true face of the war and the soldiers in the camp of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), a rebel left—wing group.
The conflict between the country's government and the rebels has been going on since 1964. This is the longest confrontation in the history of Latin American countries between the official authorities and the guerrillas. On August 25, the Colombian Government and the FARC concluded an agreement according to which the rebels renounce armed struggle and join the legal political process.
The photographer focused his attention on the girl soldiers - they seemed to him more natural than men. These young creatures have been in the ranks of the armed forces for years. For the portraits, Fernando asked the girls to put down their weapons and change into casual women's clothes — jeans and sweaters of delicate colors. It turned out that many were unaccustomed to such clothes and felt uncomfortable.
(10 photos in total)
During half a century of military confrontation, 220 thousand people were killed, and 5 million people became refugees.
18-year-old Yiset joined the FARC four years ago. After the end of the conflict, the girl would like to graduate from school and go to study as a nurse.
18-year-old Renteria serves four years. He wants to become an engineer.
The last time photographer Fernando Vergara was in a similar camp was 10 years ago, and then the rebels were harsher, more wary and more categorical.
Karolina, 18 years old, has been serving for three years. I would like to become an engineer.
During his recent visit, the photographer noticed a completely different mood in the camp. Young soldiers dreamed of life after demobilization.
Johana is 19 years old, she spent six years in the FARC. Dreams of becoming a nurse.
18-year-old Myerli has been serving for four years and dreams of becoming a nurse after demobilization.
Many girls are 18 years old, some look even younger. Most of the young people say they joined the FARC a few years ago, which means they were teenagers at the time.
Derli is 24 years old, she has been serving for nine years. The girl would like to become a nurse.
Yemi is 23 years old. She gave almost half her life to the FARC — 10 years. The girl also wants to finish her studies.
After the youth spent on the war, the girls are eager to make up for lost time.
Marcela is 28 years old, 13 of them she served in the FARC. The girl would like to graduate from school.
19-year-old Sofia served for six years and after demobilization would like to study law.
To date, Colombians still dislike the rebels.
Rubiela, 32, spent 10 years in the ranks of the rebels. A woman dreams of becoming a dentist.
Keywords: Army | Military | Girls | Women | Weapons | Truce | Portrait | Freedom | Soldiers | Portraits