statement by UNICEF Myanmar released last Monday (on November 30).
The statement also mentioned that including this date of release, November 30, up to 146 child soldiers were released from the army service throughout 2015.
“I am very pleased to see that children were released from the army and now able to return to their homes and families,” said Ms. Renata Lok Dessallien, who is the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Burma and co-chair of the UN Country Task Force on Monitoring and Reporting (CTFMR).
CTFMR welcomes the new release of the child soldiers as it is necessary for the Tatmadaw, government and CTFMR to work together.
The joint action plan between the government and the UN began in June, 2012, and from that time till now, 699 child soldiers have been released by the Tatmadaw, according to the statement.
Htet Htet Oo, coordinator of UNICEF Myanmar, affirmed that UNICEF will continue to provide the released children with mental health support, life training, and business opportunities.
“Based on their interests, the opportunities of small business projects will be provided to them for their families’ basic incomes. Also, for the education sector, we will provide a distance learning system for them to be able to return to schools,” said Htet Htet Oo.
In 2007, the Tatmadaw and seven non-state armed groups were included on the list of UN Secretary-General as parties which recruit children.
The 7 non-state armed groups are Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA), Kachin Independent Army (KIA), Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), KNLA-PC, Karenni Army, Shan State Army –South and United Wa State Army (UWSA).
Ms. Renata Lok Dessallien also said that every armed group that is recruiting and using child soldiers is urged to stop the practice, and CTFMR welcomes them to work together in implementing lasting peace in Burma.
