Watchlist

For decades Myanmar (Burma) armed forces and non-state armed groups have been engaged in low-level armed conflict that has led to devastating consequences for thousands of children. One of the greatest concerns has been the recruitment and use of children in armed forces by government military units and armed groups. Poor, orphaned and unaccompanied children from the streets, railway stations or Buddhist pagodas, as well as young novice monks from monasteries have been primary targets for recruitment. Abduction and intimation are other known methods of recruitment used by armed groups. Indiscriminant shelling, attacks of villages and state and non-state parties’ use of anti-personnel mines are constant threats to children’s lives. Although there are numerous unofficial reports of killing and maiming of children, the Ministry of Health in Myanmar (Burma) does not separate injuries and deaths due to mines or unexploded ordinances from other traumatic injuries, which creates an additional challenge in terms of monitoring this violation. Concern over rape and sexual abuse of girls by members of the armed forces, particularly in rural areas, has been increasing. Perpetrators are reportedly receiving immunity for their crimes while victims and their families are alleging intimidation and threats of punishment by the offenders if they report the abuse. Although levels of violent conflict have lowered, the Government of Myanmar (Burma) continues to deny humanitarian access to vulnerable populations in many areas of the country.