Protecting children and upholding their rights in conflict zones

Children are one of the most vulnerable in conflict areas across the world as they are
defenseless when facing exploitation, relocation, physical threats, poverty and loss of
education. The current situation in Myanmar reflects this with internal conflicts rooted from
political instability, ethic conflicts and military dominance. This issue has increased
exponentially after the military takeover in February 2021, spread insecurity across the
country with a “total 18.6 million people – nearly one-third of the country’s population – in need
of assistance in 2024, at least 6 million are children, facing an uncertain future” exposing children
to fundamental rights, forced relocations and forced recruitment by armed organizations.
Therefore, the situation in Myanmar must be addressed immediately to promote stability in
the region and to protect the future of the people.

Myanmar is located in Southeast Asia, home to a variety of different ethic groups with a
turbulent past especially in areas such as Rakhine, Shan and Kachin. Children of Myanmar
have been reported to participant in forced labor through military recruitment and limited
access to basic human rights including healthcare and education because of the ongoing war.
These problems have gotten worse after the coup, with education institutions being targeted
further shrinking safe spaces for children in Myanmar which are essential for their “growth and
well-being”. Efforts have been made to promote documentation and address the violations,
including sanctions from the EU, UK and US and advocacy. However, there hasn’t been much
progress because of the military’s dominance and lack of accountability. Despite these
conditions local and international organization continue to work on recording these atrocities
and providing humanitarian aid to children.

Myanmar’s policies on children rights have been restricted and neglected by the military. The
UN convention on the Rights of the Child is still implemented but remains insufficient. This
ongoing violence and political instability have destroyed initiatives like schooling programs
and child demobilization agreements. Myanmar’s government has prioritized control over
reforms which has limited progress.

Nevertheless, protecting children’s rights is still an essential to the growth of a country.
Myanmar needs international support to strengthen protections, ensuring accountability for
violations and to help rebuild institutions for children’s rights. The general assembly is set to
meet in St. Gallen on December 5th, 2024, to address the issues at hand. Myanmar hopes that
this assembly will lead to a resolution and promote change. Myanmar hopes that necessary
adjustments are made to ensure no child must endure such suffering again and the
fundamental rights of children are upheld everywhere.