According to Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews, the junta’s decision is another indication of their vulnerability and desperation. He urges for increased international efforts to safeguard at-risk communities throughout the country.

The speaker warned that despite being injured and in a state of desperation, the Myanmar military junta remains highly hazardous. The loss of soldiers and difficulty in recruiting pose significant risks for the junta, as they face fierce assaults on multiple fronts throughout the nation.

Filling the ranks 

On February 10th, the military government issued a directive claiming to enact the 2010 People’s Military Service Law.

Individuals who are between the ages of 18 and 35 for men and 18 and 27 for women are now eligible for military draft. Additionally, individuals who are considered “professional” can still be drafted if they are between the ages of 45 and 35 for men and women, respectively.

The goal is to register 5,000 individuals every month beginning in April. Those who avoid serving in the military or assist others in doing so may face a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

Appeal for action 

“According to Mr. Andrews, the military is forcing young individuals to join their ranks and has intensified their assaults on innocent civilians by using large quantities of formidable weapons.”

The speaker emphasized the need for countries to take action in the absence of action from the UN Security Council. This includes increasing and coordinating efforts to limit the junta’s access to weapons and funding, which they use to continue attacking civilians.

“Do not be misled, the implementation of a draft is not a sign that the junta and its forces pose less of a danger to the people of Myanmar. In reality, many individuals are currently facing even greater risks,” he stated.

© UNICEF/Brown

A youngster residing at a shelter for internally displaced individuals (IDP) in Myanmar. (file)

Military overthrow, disagreement and injuries/deaths

Three years ago, the military overthrew the elected Government in Myanmar. Since then, the Army has been engaged in conflicts with armed opposition groups, resulting in widespread displacement and casualties.

According to recent data from the United Nations, close to 2.7 million individuals are currently displaced within the country, with approximately 2.4 million of those being forced to leave their homes due to the military coup that occurred in February 2021.

According to a report by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), conflict is ongoing in different areas of the country and the situation in Rakhine state, situated on the western coast, is getting worse.

Fighting between the military and the Arakan Army, an ethnic armed group, has been on the rise in Rakhine, limiting humanitarian aid despite increasing demands.

Currently, a temporary agreement is still in effect in the northern area of Shan state, enabling the majority of those who were forced to leave their homes at the end of 2023 to go back. Around 23,000 innocent individuals who were driven out due to the heightened violence in the area last year are still displaced and residing in 141 locations across 15 townships.

“OCHA reported that the ongoing conflict in the northwest and southeast regions of Myanmar remains a major concern, as it involves armed confrontations, airstrikes, and mortar attacks that put civilians at risk and force them to flee their homes.”

Young people ‘horrified’ 

Mr. Andrews believes that the junta’s choice to implement the conscription law is an effort to validate and increase the use of forced enlistment, which is already impacting individuals nationwide.

According to reports, there have been instances of young men being abducted from the streets of Myanmar’s urban areas and coerced into joining the military in recent months. Additionally, villagers have been allegedly taken as porters and used as human shields.

The youth are filled with fear at the thought of being compelled to take part in the junta’s brutal rule. He cautioned that there will likely be a huge increase in the number of people fleeing across borders to avoid being drafted.

The rights specialist urged for a boost in humanitarian assistance to affected populations in Myanmar, including the delivery of aid across borders, and increased backing for leaders dedicated to a transition to democracy.

He emphasized the need for swift action from the global community to isolate the military government and safeguard the citizens of Myanmar.

About UN rapporteurs 

The UN Human Rights Council designates individuals, such as Mr. Andrews, as Special Rapporteurs. They are tasked with reporting on particular country circumstances or topics related to human rights.

These professionals offer their services voluntarily and are not affiliated with any government or group. They serve in their personal capacity and are not employed by the UN or compensated for their efforts.

Source: news.un.org