Myanmarese Army releases 46 child soldiers; promises action against recruiters

Nay Pyi Taw(Myanmar): The Myanmarese army has released 46 child soldiers from its ranks, while taking action against hundreds of personnel for recruiting children to the armed forces, the media reported on Sunday. At a ceremony in Yangon on Saturday attended by government officials and UN personnel, the military freed the 46 minors, allowing them to return to their families, EFE news reported. [caption id=“attachment_2672556” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Representational image. Reuters[/caption] “The Tatmadaw (Myanmar Armed Forces) is committed to rid its ranks of underage soldiers,” said Major General Tauk Tun of the Commander-in-Chief’s Office, in the opening address of the event. The army has freed some 744 underage soldiers and punished 382 soldiers since 2011 for violating international human rights laws against the employment of children. IANS