UNITED NATIONS (UN): The UN has condemned a sharp rise in the abuse of children’s rights in Myanmar, with thousands forcibly recruited into military ranks since the 2021 coup.
In a report released on Friday, UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, confirmed over 5,140 “grave violations” against more than 4,000 children between July 2020 and December 2023 – a 400 per cent surge from the previous review period.
Nearly 40 per cent of these cases involved the forced recruitment of children, some as young as three months old.
The report attributed most violations to the Myanmar military and its affiliates, citing a rise in child abductions – up nearly 3,000 per cent – with many minors coerced into training, used as human shields, or made to recruit others.
“I am appalled by the scale of recruitment and the surge in killings and maimings,” Guterres said, also condemning attacks on schools, hospitals, and the widespread use of landmines and air strikes.
He urged all parties to the conflict to release children from their ranks immediately. – AFP
