UNICEF Child Alert
on Myanmar: Fruits of rapid development and reconciliation efforts yet to reach
remote, conflict-affected regions
Lives on Hold:
Making sure no child is left behind in Myanmar: https://www.unicef.org/publications/index_96027.html
UN Children's Fund: http://reliefweb.int/organization/unicef
UNICEF CHILD ALERT: http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/UNICEF_Lives_on_Hold_Myanmar.pdf
New report calls for
improved humanitarian access to estimated 2.2 million children affected by
violence, and end to child rights violations
GENEVA/NEW YORK, 23
May 2017 – Unresolved conflict, poverty and under-development are preventing
children in more remote parts of Myanmar from reaping the benefits of the
reform and reconciliation efforts being undertaken by the Government, says the
UN children’s agency, UNICEF.
In a Child Alert
issued today, UNICEF says that social and economic measures undertaken by the
Government since 2010 are beginning to strengthen the systems that boost
children’s health, education and protection.
A draft child law,
and increased public funding for immunization programmes and education have
demonstrated a stronger commitment to furthering children’s rights in the
country, the agency says.
However, UNICEF
points out that in spite of this progress, life for many children in Myanmar
remains a struggle: up to 150 children under the age of 5 die each day, while
nearly 30 per cent suffer from moderate or severe malnutrition. More than half
of all children live below the poverty line.
“Myanmar faces a
real challenge in ensuring that children everywhere – and not just in urban
areas – gain from the country’s rapid development,” said UNICEF Deputy Executive
Director Justin Forsyth.
“There is a risk
that many children and their families are excluded. This is especially the case
for poorer children living in remote areas or trapped in situations of tension
and conflict.”
International
attention has largely focused on Rakhine State, where 120,000 internally
displaced people – including many ethnic Rohingyas -- live in camps as a result
of inter-communal conflict that erupted in 2012. Violence surged again last
year following attacks on border guard posts.
Less reported is the
situation in remote Kachin, Shan and Kayin States and other border areas, where
recurrent clashes between the Myanmar military and Ethnic Armed Organisations
continue to drive families from their homes. Civilians find themselves at risk
from poverty, statelessness, and trafficking, while having only limited access
to essential health and education services.
The report calls for
improved humanitarian access to an estimated 2.2 million children affected by
violence, and for an end to rights violations including the use of children as
soldiers.
In troubled Rakhine
State, UNICEF says Rohingya and other minority children and their families need
protection and help. It endorses recommendations by the Advisory Commission
headed by former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan for a comprehensive birth
registration campaign and other investments in health and education services
that are open to all children.
The report comes
ahead of the convening of a second national Peace Conference in Myanmar on May
24 which UNICEF says is an opportunity to commit to stronger protection of
children from conflict.
Investing some of
the financial dividends earned from Myanmar’s recent economic growth, in
services that will benefit children and youth, the report says, can help steer
the country towards a more prosperous and stable future.