Myanmar’s military has discharged 53 children and young people, bringing the total released this year to 146, the United Nations said on Monday.
“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,” said Renata Lok-Dessallien, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Myanmar, in a statement.
For decades, children have been recruited to fight in Myanmar by both government forces and ethnic minority rebel groups.
The former military junta was condemned internationally during its half-century in power for allowing child soldiers to be recruited.
The semi-civilian government that took power in 2011 has collaborated with international organizations to stop the practice.
In September, the country signed the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict but it is yet to be ratified.
Photo / AFP
