At least four children killed during escalation of conflict in Myanmar

Last Saturday, the body of a 13-year-old boy was discovered in Matupi, Chin State, while a 12-year-old girl and 16-year-old boy were injured by heavy weaponry in Loikaw, Kayah State, following intense airstrikes and mortar attacks.

On the same day, a 7-year-old girl was injured by heavy weapons fire in Hpa An, Kayin State.

On 7 January, one 14-year-old and two 17-year-old boys were fatally shot in Dawei Township, in the Tanintharyi Region. And on 5 January, two young girls, aged 1 and 4, were injured by artillery fire in Namkham, Shan State.

In a statement, UNICEF Regional Director, Debora Comini, said the agency was “gravely concerned” by the escalating conflict and condemns the reported use of airstrikes and heavy weaponry in civilian areas.

UNICEF is also particularly outraged over attacks on children that have occurred across the country.

“Parties to conflict must treat the protection of children as a foremost priority and must take all steps necessary to ensure that children are kept away from fighting and that communities are not targeted”, Ms. Comini said.

According to her, this protection is required by international humanitarian law and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, to which Myanmar is a signatory.

Recalling other recent incidents, UNICEF called for urgent action to ensure independent investigations, so that those responsible can be held to account.