Mizzima
The United Nations specialist agency for children (UNICEF) yesterday warned that the Tatmadaw's recent occupation of education facilities is in breach of international law.
‘The occupation of education facilities across Myanmar by security forces is a serious violation of children’s rights’ said Save the Children, UNESCO and UNICEF in a joint statement released Friday. The three organisations are calling on security forces to immediately vacate occupied educational premises, including schools and universities, and ensure these facilities are not used by military or security personnel for any reason.
At least one incident of fighting at a school has been reported when security forces allegedly beat two teachers while entering the premises and left several others injured.
Security forces deployed by Myanmar’s military coup leaders are reported to now occupy more than 60 schools and university campuses across 13 states and regions. Other public institutions such as hospitals have also been occupied during the current crackdown.
This represents an escalation of the crisis since 8 March when reports first appeared of security forces occupying schools, universities, and hospitals around the country. At that time around 20 government education and health institutions had been forcibly appropriated.
These occupations represent a serious violation of the rights of children, the statement continues, and schools should not be used by security forces under any circumstances.
The presence of armed security forces in schools is highly disturbing for students. The organisations warn, ‘it will exacerbate the learning crisis for almost 12 million children and youth in Myanmar, which was already under tremendous pressure as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing widespread school closures.’
Children in Myanmar have long suffered various health and education obstacles, according to Save the Children. In regional armed conflict areas, children are vulnerable to child protection issues including violence, abuse, trafficking and recruitment by armed forces.
Children nationwide are impacted by poverty which forces them out of school into work. An estimated 21% children under the age of 18 are working and between 60-37% children enter secondary school depending on the area.
Additionally, poor health and nutrition and inadequate access to health care undermine the quality of children’s lives.
UNICEF reminded security forces of their obligation to uphold the rights of all children and youth in Myanmar to education as enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which Myanmar acceded to in July 1991. They further urge the security forces to follow Myanmar’s own Child Rights Law (2019), and National Education Law (2014).
UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children's lives, defend their rights, and to help fulfil their potential, from early childhood through adolescence. It became a permanent part of the United Nations system in 1953.
