Committee: Human Rights Council

Delegation: Myanmar
Topic: Establishing guidelines to Prevent Recruitment of Children Into Non-state Armed
Groups

RECRUITMENT OF CHILDREN INTO NON-STATE ARMED GROUPS

Recruiting children into non-state armed groups represents a grave violation of
human rights and international law. As the Optional Protocol to the convention on the rights
has reaffirmed, the rights of children require special protection. Kids are forced to use
psychotropic substances and drugs. They are commonly subject to abuse, many of them
witness death, killing and sexual violance. Non-state armed groups often exploit vulnerable
children who are subjected to economic hardship, political instability, or social
disintegration. These kids are enticed with promises of protection, food, or a sense of
belonging, making them susceptible to manipulation. Furthermore, coercion and abduction
are tactics used to forcefully recruit minors, leaving them with no choice but to join these
groups. Toddlers are not only forced to fight on the front, taking direct part in combat, but
also might have to face a variety of tasks, working as cooks, spies, messengers and even
sex slaves. This reprehensible practice has been a persistent concern in conflict zones
across the globe, demanding urgent attention and intervention at the highest levels.
The United Nations has undertaken a comprehensive array of actions to staunch
the recruitment of children into non-state armed groups. At the forefront of its efforts are
the series of UN Security Council resolutions, such as Resolution 1261, Resolution 1612,
and Resolution 1882. Additionally, the UN has appointed a Special Representative for
Children and Armed Conflict. The establishment of a Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism
(MRM) has been instrumental in identifying and holding accountable parties involved in
child recruitment. Moreover, the UN conducts awareness campaigns, deploys Child
Protection Advisers, provides capacity building, and imposes sanctions, all geared toward
halting the recruitment of child soldiers and ensuring their reintegration into society. What
is more, condemning the targeting of children/direct attacks on places that generally have
a significant presence of children such as schools and hospitals is already implemented.
While the United Nations (UN) has made significant efforts to address the problem,
they faced loads of ongoing challenges. The UN faces resource constraints in
implementing its child protection initiatives. Providing sufficient resources for monitoring,
reporting, rehabilitation, and reintegration programs can be challenging, especially in
situations where funding is limited. Addressing the root causes of child recruitment, such
as poverty, lack of education, and political instability, requires comprehensive, long-term
efforts that go beyond the scope of the UN's interventions. These underlying factors can
be deeply ingrained and difficult to change quickly.
Myanmar is a signatory to international agreements that prohibit the recruitment and
use of child soldiers, such as the Optional Protocol from 2000. The government has made
commitments to address this problem and has cooperated with the United Nations and
other international organizations to develop action plans and mechanisms for the release
and reintegration of child soldiers. The UN and the Myanmar government signed a Joint
Action Plan to end the recruitment and use of children in June 2012. However, children
continue to be present in the ranks of the Tatmadaw Kyi as well as NSAGs. Recent trends
indicate that active recruitment of children by the Tatmadaw kyi appears to have
significantly reduced. They have discharged 745 children since the signing of the JAP.
BFG, however has recently discharged one child, indicating that other may also remain in
the ranks. The necessary implementing legislative framework has yet to be put in place.
 It is crucial to dissect the complex factors that facilitate child recruitment and explore
potential strategies for prevention and rehabilitation. Creating access to education and
providing more economic opportunities for kids might have positive impact on the problem.
When child soldiers receive education and economic support, they are less likely to join
armed groups. Economic stability and educational attainment can reduce the allure of
armed groups and provide alternative life paths. What is more, by offering education and
economic opportunities, societies can break the cycle of violence and conflict. These
children, when given a chance at a better life, are less likely to perpetuate violence in their
communities.