Forced Child Soldiers in Burma?

Following the upcoming election in Burma, the new government may introduce  military conscription in accordance with the 2008 Constitution, according to sources.

A high court lawyer in Rangoon said a provision allowing the government to force every citizen to  serve in the armed forces is already included in the 2008 Constitution, which will take effect once the new parliament is seated.

“People hate soldiers from the bottom of their hearts. So even if I am conscripted I will have to think about it before entering the army,” said the student.

In addition, some observers say that a future conscription law may involve those even younger than university students.

“For a long time, the military regime has forced people to act as porters and recruited child soldiers. It  may not be wrong to predict that under the future conscription act the regime can and will officially recruit more child soldiers,” said a Rangoon resident.

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