Eleven leaders of the Colombian rebel group ELN have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms for recruiting children as young as eight years old, according to reports from Colombia. The sentences handed down by the Colombian judicial authorities range from 11 to 20 years in prison. The rebel leaders were not present during the court proceedings. Prosecutors stated the children were exploited in various roles, including combat and cooking duties, with reports indicating some girls were subjected to abuse. The United Nations has hailed the verdict as a significant step in the fight against the use of children as soldiers. This ruling underscores international efforts to protect children caught in armed conflict within Colombia.