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KNU Statement Regarding Child Rights and Child Soldier Issue

The UN Secretary General’s report, dated 23-11-2007, in relation to child rights, mentioned the use of child soldiers by the SPDC in Burma in violation of child rights. It further stated that the KNU and other ethnic organizations were also implicated in the violation. In clarification of the matter, we, the KNU would like to issue our statement as follows.

1. In years gone by, the KNU had allowed those who had attained the age of 16 years to join the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA). However, the KNU issued directives to the KNLA not to recruit persons, who had not attained the age of 18 years, starting from the year 2003.

2. Since 2003, the KNU has not only banned the use of child soldiers, under the age of 18, but has also strengthened the ban by instructing the KNLA officers at all levels to follow the directive precisely and to verify and enforce the ban.

3. On a number of occasions, we have mentioned our readiness to cooperate with human rights and UN affiliated organizations, which come to contact with the KNU and the KNLA, and welcome their monitoring and verification in the field. In addition, we have signed the Deeds of Commitment to cease the recruitment and use of children.

4. Some parts of the UNSG’s current report, based on data collected in 2005, is no longer relevant. Accordingly, the KNU and KNLA are no longer involved in the use of child soldiers and violations of child rights. In conclusion, we reaffirm our willingness to welcome those who want to conduct inquiry in our areas and to cooperate with the UN or other organizations working for elimination of child soldiers and protection of child rights.

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