report on children in armed conflict of myanmar

This is exacerbated by humanitarian access restrictions which limit their access to case management, MHPSS, information on services and other essential child protection services. Boys are at higher risk of worst forms of child labor, recruitment and use by armed groups and forces and dangerous work in mines. Girls are at higher risk of sexual abuse and exploitation as well as trafficking for child marriage because of institutionalized barriers to fundamental rights, gender norms, poverty and ongoing conflict. As protective safety nets crumble and household vulnerabilities increase, children continue to suffer the after-effects in the form of increased child abuse, neglect and exploitation. Grave violations against children, including killing and maiming of children, recruitment and use, attacks on schools and the military use of schools and the risks from ERW are also of concern. Multiple child protection risks including family separation, maltreatment, sexual and gender-based violence, mental health and psychosocial distress, worst forms of child labor, continue to be of significant concern. Restrictions on access as a result of insecurity and COVID-19 add further obstacles in reaching the affected population with humanitarian assistance. The continuing armed conflict in northern Shan leaves IDPs with little hope of achieving solutions. In Kachin, the prospect of durable solutions has been hampered by the absence of a nationwide ceasefire agreement and landmine and explosive remnants of war (ERW) contamination risks. The escalation in fighting in Rakhine and southern Chin in 2020 has led to increased displacement and exposed civilians to a wide range of protection risks, which is further compounded by the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic.

Report on children in armed conflict of myanmar