Myanmar conscription law forces women, children

Myanmar is witnessing a mass exodus as the military junta enforces mandatory conscription amid widespread fear and unrest. Since the announcement of the People’s Military Service Law in February, which targets men aged 18-35 and women aged 18-27, thousands have fled in anticipation of forced recruitment and escalating violence.

Estelle, a former government worker who participated in the Civil Disobedience Movement, fled Myanmar to evade conscription after facing travel restrictions. With heightened security measures, many risk perilous journeys through jungles and rivers, entering neighboring countries illegally. The military’s crackdown on dissent since the 2021 coup has spurred armed resistance, exacerbating displacement and instability.

Reports of over 5,000 deaths and widespread displacement underscore the severity of the crisis. The military’s actions, including airstrikes and punitive measures, have led to international condemnation for human rights abuses. Women, exempted temporarily from conscription, still face heightened risks, including trafficking and forced marriage due to economic hardships and insecurity.

Catherine, a 23-year-old office worker, expresses concern over the military’s weakening legitimacy and its coercive conscription tactics. The junta’s attempt to recruit Rohingya Muslims, previously victims of genocidal actions, has further polarized communities and intensified ethnic tensions.

Forced conscription and economic turmoil have disproportionately affected women, exacerbating their vulnerabilities to exploitation and violence. Humanitarian agencies report a surge in cross-border movements, with women often resorting to risky channels to escape persecution and conscription.

As Myanmar grapples with a deepening crisis, international scrutiny and calls for humanitarian aid are intensifying. The plight of displaced persons, particularly women and children, remains a focal point amid escalating conflict and political instability.

Re-reported from the article originally published in Firstpost.