KNU/KNLA (PC) denies accusation of recruitment of child soldiers

KNU/KNLA (PC) denies accusation of recruitment of child soldiers
A meeting between the KNU/KNLA (PC) and the CTFMR.
A meeting between the KNU/KNLA (PC) and the CTFMR.
Published 23 October 2019

 

There is no recruitment of child soldiers by the Karen National Union/Karen National Liberation Army – Peace Council (KNU/KNLA-PC) as the UNSC’s accusation of the recruitment of child soldiers, said Lt-Col Saw Ko Gyi Kyaw from the KNU/KNLA (PC) after the meeting with  the UN Country Task Force on Monitoring and Reporting (CTFMR) on Grave Violations against Children under the UNSG, at Grade One Hotel in Myawady in Kayin State. 

“The KNU/KNLA (PC) was formed in 2007. Our significant point is we urged the Tamadaw to move their troops at our headquarters stationed between Htoh Gkaw Gkoh and Mae La. The Tatmadaw moved its troops. There is no fight as no troop is present there. We don’t hide any information about fights. There is no recruitment of child soldiers,” he added. 

“The important point is both sides will cooperate to seek the solution to the problem. When an agreement is reached between the CTFMR and us, we will monitor it for a certain period of time. If there are progresses, the report will be submitted to the UNSG’s office. The office will remove its accusation. Their mechanism is just to monitor us and submit the report,” he continued. 

The meeting was attended by around 40 top leaders from the KNU/KNLA (PC) and around 10 officials from the CTFRM.