By Ra Wai / MPA
The military junta is unlawfully conscripting civilians to replenish its shrinking forces as it suffers continued battlefield defeats, according to U Nay Phone Latt, spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office of the National Unity Government (NUG).
During a public and international briefing on Tuesday, U Nay Phone Latt disclosed that the military junta has been forcibly recruiting soldiers through nearly 10 rounds of military training. Civilians are being abducted, deported migrant workers conscripted, and even women and young prisoners forced into military service.
Additionally, the junta has been restricting young people from leaving the country and coercing Myanmar nationals abroad to return through its affiliated embassies—only to draft them into military service upon arrival.
“The terrorist military junta is deploying these forcibly conscripted individuals to the frontlines after just a few months of basic training, using them as human shields,” he said.
“This is a blatant case of forced labor on a national scale and a grave human rights violation. We call on international human rights organizations and labor groups to take decisive action against these crimes.”
He also urged neighboring countries to provide humanitarian protection to detained Myanmar nationals rather than repatriating them, equating forced returns to sending them to their deaths.
Additionally, he advised Myanmar citizens living abroad to respect the laws, cultures, and standards of their host countries and integrate harmoniously into their communities.
According to the spokesperson, the NUG has been actively supporting young people affected by the junta’s forced conscription. It also welcomes and provides shelter for those who escape or join resistance forces against the regime.
