Cartles in Mexico train children for killers. “Some themselves reported to this camp”

Cartles in Mexico to commit crimes recruit children like Sol. For the first time she put her hand to someone else's death at the age of only 12 years. The gang decided that it is ideal for this because of children's enthusiasm, loyalty and the need to belong to the group. Mexican non -governmental organizations say that 200,000 juvenile operates in gangs.

– They repeated that I was their little sister, that they love me very much and I believed them everything. I thought they were a family I never had. A lot of time passed before I realized that it was all a lie – recalls the assassin at the services of the cartel, currently 20 -year -old Sol.

Those who assured about love were brutal gangsters, traded weapons and drugs. They needed 11-year-old Sol and other children to perform the worst tasks. Also for murders on behalf of.

– Children learn faster than adults, so when they recruited the child, they taught them to use weapons, taught how to hide and smuggle drugs – emphasizes Sol.

For decades Mexico It is a battlefield between organized criminal groups. Recent years have brought the brutalization of their actions and a new trend – recruitment to gangs also children. In March, in the central and western state, Jalisco was discovered a ranch, where recruits – adults, but also teenagers were trained. In addition to weapons magazines, clothes, children's toys, human remains and crematorium were also found in its area.

– Children urge other children. They promise money. Some reported to this camp themselves. They wanted to help their families financially and did not realize what they would have to do – explains Luz Toscano, an activist who helps children abducted by gangs.

Children are cannon meat in gang wars

It is difficult to gather detailed information about crime among children. Mexican non -governmental organizations say that 200,000 juvenile operates in gangs. Criminals recruit younger children – even six years. They are loyal. They are not afraid of consequences. Strength impresses them. It attracts the illusion of belonging to the group.

– Usually a child operates in an organized criminal group very short. His life means nothing. It is cannon meat in the wars of gangs and cartels. These children can be used freely, and finally they will have death – says Gabriela Ruiz, a psychologist.

Survivors and free from a criminal circle goes to a few. Isabel killed for the first time when she was 14 years old. Thanks to the selfless help of strangers, she managed to escape and cut off the gang. He suffers from post -traumatic stress syndrome and depression. She would like to study law.

– Everyone knows what I was doing, but nobody can see that I was just their puppet. They used me. Why? Because I was a child and if they caught me, I would get a low sentence and I would come back to work soon – recalls Isabel, currently 19 years old.

Children who have not been recruited by cartels can become their victims. Two girls were accidentally killed during a shooting between fighting groups of criminals.