NUG Defence Ministry reaffirms ban on child soldiers in People’s Defence Force

Mizzima

On 29 August, the Ministry of Defence of Myanmar’s National Unity Government (NUG) issued a directive reaffirming the strict prohibition of recruiting children under the age of 18 into the People’s Defence Force (PDF) or associated local defence organizations.

The statement is as follows:

In the process of integrating local defence groups-which took up arms in resistance to the military dictatorship battalions and units under the Ministry of Defence, any individuals found to be under 18 shall be identified in accordance with established procedures, and returned to their parents or guardians. During this process, counselling and awareness-raising activities shall be undertaken, and coordination shall be made with relevant organizations to ensure that such children are provided with access to education.