Colombia activated Alerta Rosa on Wednesday, a national mechanism for the immediate search of missing girls, boys, adolescents, young people, and women. The system integrates 17 state entities and uses technology to disseminate real-time information through multiple channels. It aims to eliminate delays like the 72-hour wait and mobilize authorities and citizens.
Alerta Rosa enables early alerts from the moment a disappearance is reported, via telephone, virtual, or in-person channels. It operates as a massive multichannel diffusion tool using text messages, digital platforms, and traditional media, coordinating the Policía Nacional, Fiscalía General de la Nación, Instituto Colombiano de Bienestar Familiar, Procuraduría, Defensoría del Pueblo, and 12 other entities in the Comité de Coordinación Nacional.
The mechanism also involves social organizations, community action boards, religious entities, and citizens, expanding response in border areas and transport terminals. The Bienestar Familiar, which received over 8,300 search requests between 2024 and 2026, will coordinate child protection and rights restoration.
According to the SIRDEC system, in 2025 there were 127 missing girls, 95 boys, 1,614 adolescents, and 807 women reported; in January 2026, the figures were 9 girls, 6 boys, 87 adolescents, and 53 women. The Procuraduría General de la Nación will oversee its implementation to ensure timely responses.
The system includes educational components for prevention and protective measures after location, especially against gender-based violence risks.
