Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rangún (Agenzia Fides) - The Burmese army has released 109 children from its military ranks. Myanmar has for years been listed among Countries where children have been recruited to fight - both by government forces and rebels. For 49 years this Asian Country has been ruled by the military and the international community condemned the violation of human rights, including the recruitment of child soldiers. A reformist, semi-civilian government that took over in 2011 has been working with the United Nations to get children out of the military. It has released 472 children since June 2012. There is a commitment to have this practice eradicated from its ranks. Recruitment continues at a decreased rate and most young recruits come from poor families seeking the income that a son in the army can provide. There’s no way to say for sure how many there are. The UN said seven ethnic minority guerrilla forces, which have fought or are still fighting the government, were also using child soldiers. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 26/09/2014)
