Myanmar frees 96 child soldiers from armed forces, but children are still in the military

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Photo: Catholic.org

Myanmar's army has freed 96 children and young people from its armed forces, the United Nations has said. This was the largest single release of child recruits in Myanmar since the country's government entered into an agreement with the UN in 2012 on the issue. The army has released a total of 272 children and youth over the past 18 months, but has not completely stopped its use of children. According to Al Jazeera, no record of verifiable figures exists to prove how many children currently serve in Myanmar's military.

Children in Myanmar have been widely used in armed conflict by both state armed forces and non-state armed groups.

Source: ahram online, Myanmar frees scores of child soldiers from armed forces: UN, 18 January 2014; Al Jazeera, Myanmar releases child soldiers from service , 18 January 2014; Child Soldiers International, Myanmar Report.

Republished from http://www.wri-irg.org/node/22916

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