ICBF Director orders removal of mural over political concerns

María Carolina Restrepo Cañavera, the director of the Colombian Family Welfare Institute (ICBF), has ordered the removal of a mural at the agency's headquarters. Restrepo expressed concern regarding the potential political or ideological instrumentalization of children, specifically questioning the phrase ‘Resistencia Chiquita’ found in the artwork. She argued that spaces for minors should be dedicated to play, protection, and integral development rather than serving as tools for adult political messages.

In response, former ICBF director Astrid Cáceres defended the mural and the children involved. Cáceres noted that the ‘Resistencia Chiquita’ collective, which uses art to denounce violence and stereotypes, was invited to participate and that the space was intended for children to leave their artistic mark. Cáceres highlighted that the collective originated in Bogotá following the 2016 murder of Yuliana Samboní and urged that the focus remain on child welfare rather than the controversy surrounding the artwork.