Deputy Prime Minister and Union Minister for Defence Admiral Tin Aung San Addresses (1/2024) Meeting of the Committee on the Prevention of Recruitment of Child Soldiers

The Committee on the Prevention of Recruitment of Child Soldiers convened its first meeting at the Ministry of Defence on 3 July, attended by State Administrative Council Member, Deputy Prime Minister and Union Minister for Defence Admiral Tin Aung San, who is also the committee chairman and addressed as follows:

• 1,057 underage soldiers who were mistakenly recruited before reaching the age of majority have been allowed to be withdrawn from the military. The systematic process involves transferring these soldiers back to their parents, facilitated by both the military and the UNCTFMR.
• In 2023, the CTFMR reviewed cases involving nine suspected underage soldiers. A total of 120 individuals were identified for removal from the previous list.
• The enactment of the People’s Military Service Law in 2010 has led to its implementation, with various conscription groups ensuring that individuals under the age of 18 are not included in the country’s military call-up.
• In 2023, the United Nations Secretary-General’s report on children and armed conflict highlighted recruitment practices. Affiliated groups and militias associated with Tatmadaw recruited 1,102 children, and Tatmadaw faced accusations of six serious crimes.
• The report prompted objections, and response information was sent to the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict (UNSRSG). These findings were disseminated through television broadcasts and official news channels.

During a subsequent meeting, committee members and representatives discussed the progress of working groups focused on preventing minor children from serving in the military. They clarified the status of previous decisions and recommended conditions for implementation across relevant sectors, reports say.

Source: GNLM (4-7-2024)

• In 2023, the CTFMR reviewed cases involving nine suspected underage soldiers. A total of 120 individuals were identified for removal from the previous list.
• Various conscription groups are ensuring that individuals under the age of 18 are not included in the country’s military call-up.
• The United Nations Secretary-General’s report on children and armed conflict accused affiliated groups and militias associated with the Tatmadaw of recruiting 1,102 children.