ADVERTISEMENT

Military releases 53 underage recruits

The announcement of the release comes amid fighting between the military and ethnic groups in the eastern Shan State, as well as in Kachin.

Myanmar military releases 53 underage recruits

Myanmar's military released 53 children and young people from service on Monday as part of an effort to rid its ranks of underage soldiers, the United Nations said.

Human rights groups have long accused Myanmar's military, known as the Tatmadaw, of abuses such as using child soldiers, forcibly recruiting conscripts and confiscating land.

Since the military handed power to a semi-civilian government in 2011, it has taken some steps to professionalise the armed forces, including the release of soldiers recruited while under the age of 18.

"Today's release is the result of continued efforts of the Government of Myanmar and the Tatmadaw to put an end to the harmful practice of recruiting and using children," said Renata Lok-Dessallien, the U.N. Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Myanmar, in a statement.

ADVERTISEMENT

"I am delighted to see these children and young people returning to their homes and families. We are hopeful that institutional checks that have been put in place and continued efforts will ensure that recruitment of children will exist no more."

The military has released 146 underage recruits this year and 699 since it signed a joint action plan with the U.N. in 2012 to end the use of children in the military.

The U.N. it had no estimate for the number of underage soldiers in Myanmar. Experts believe Myanmar's military to be between 300,000 and 350,000 strong, but the military does not release data on its size.

Lok-Dessallien also called on armed ethnic groups to stop recruiting child soldiers.

The U.N. Secretary-General has listed seven such groups as being "persistent perpetrators" in the recruitment and use of children in their operations.

ADVERTISEMENT

They include the powerful Kachin Independence Army, which controls large swathes of Myanmar's northern Kachin State, and the United Wa State Army (UWSA). Operating on the Myanmar-China border, the UWSA is regarded as the largest and best equipped of Myanmar's armed ethnic groups.

Activists from Shan State last week accused the military of bombing schools and Buddhist temples, firing on civilians and raping women during its recent offensives.

The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs estimates that up to 6,000 people have been displaced by the fighting in Shan and another 1,200, including 500 children, in Kachin.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

BREAKING: No plan to crash petrol, diesel prices - NNPC debunks rumour

BREAKING: No plan to crash petrol, diesel prices - NNPC debunks rumour

Traditionalists want traditional religious knowledge to be taught in schools

Traditionalists want traditional religious knowledge to be taught in schools

NUT calls for State Govts to oversee basic education, removes LG involvement

NUT calls for State Govts to oversee basic education, removes LG involvement

JUST IN: FG declares Friday, Monday Easter public holidays

JUST IN: FG declares Friday, Monday Easter public holidays

17 soldiers killed in Okuama community laid to rest at Abuja cemetery

17 soldiers killed in Okuama community laid to rest at Abuja cemetery

Benue's Governor Alia denies calling for APC chairman Ganduje's resignation

Benue's Governor Alia denies calling for APC chairman Ganduje's resignation

APC leaders in southeast hail Uzodimma’s appointment as party’s coordinator

APC leaders in southeast hail Uzodimma’s appointment as party’s coordinator

Tinubu congratulates Faye, praises Sall for peaceful, transparent election

Tinubu congratulates Faye, praises Sall for peaceful, transparent election

Banks in Ibadan refuse ATM cash loading, limit counter withdrawals 
- Residents

Banks in Ibadan refuse ATM cash loading, limit counter withdrawals - Residents

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT