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Venezuela: The United States recognizes interim President Juan Guaido as the legitimate Government of Venezuela. In 2019 the UN, foreign governments, media outlets, and credible NGOs reported Venezuelan government officials, including members of security forces and local authorities, colluded with, tolerated, and allowed Colombian illegal armed groups to operate in Venezuelan territory with impunity. These groups, which included FARC dissidents and the ELN, forcibly recruited and used children under the age of 18 to serve as combatants, domestic servants, informants, lookouts, and sex slaves. Venezuelan officials, acting at the behest of former President Maduro and his inner circle or in their own personal interests, including out of fear for their safety, provided support and safe haven to FARC dissidents and the ELN. These groups grew through recruitment of child soldiers and exploitation of children in sex trafficking and forced labor. These incidents raise concerns regarding the protection of children recruited and used by illegal armed groups and warrant further remedial action.

Venezuela: The United States recognizes interim President Juan Guaido as the legitimate Government of Venezuela. In 2019 the UN, foreign governments, media outlets, and credible NGOs reported Venezuelan government officials, including members of security forces and local authorities, colluded with, tolerated, and allowed Colombian illegal armed groups to operate in Venezuelan territory with impunity. These groups, which included FARC dissidents and the ELN, forcibly recruited and used children under the age of 18 to serve as combatants, domestic servants, informants, lookouts, and sex slaves. Venezuelan officials, acting at the behest of former President Maduro and his inner circle or in their own personal interests, including out of fear for their safety, provided support and safe haven to FARC dissidents and the ELN. These groups grew through recruitment of child soldiers and exploitation of children in sex trafficking and forced labor. These incidents raise concerns regarding the protection of children recruited and used by illegal armed groups and warrant further remedial action.