Jury Chai – On August 2nd, the armed opposition for two of Burma’s larger ethnic groups, the New Mon State Party (NMSP) and Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP), signed Geneva Call’s Deed of Commitment (DoC), formalizing their promises to protect children in the conflict areas of eastern Burma.
for Protection of Children in Conflict
Geneva Call is an international organization working worldwide toward “humanitarian engagement with non-state actors.”
By signing the DoC, NMSP and KNPP affirm their dedication to child protection in accordance with 16 commitments related to child protection in conflict, including a complete ban on the use of children in hostilities, recruitment of child soldiers, sexual or other forms of violence, and cruel or inhumane treatment. They also agree to provide shelter, food, and education to children who flee from war, and allow Geneva Call to carry out monitoring inspections in their areas.
The NMSP delegation was led by Mon National Liberation Army (MNLA) Vice Chief of Command Brigadier General Layeh Gakaung, who signed the agreement with Nai Hongsa Poung Khine.
“The NMSP and MNLA committed to protect children in conflict zones. This is our proof that we do not use child soldiers and we do protect children,” said Nai Hongsa Poung Khine.
General Secretary 1 Khuu Oo Reh and Central Committee member Ree Manh Htoo led the KNPP delegation.
According to Human Rights Watch, UN reports on child soldiers, and other local human rights organizations, the Burmese Army continues to recruit child soldiers.
