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Burmese Monks Back in Streets

More than 100 march as rights group slams junta over recruiting child soldiers

By Lucas Laursen,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 31, 2007 8:52 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Picking up their quashed demands, more than 100 Burmese monks marched in defiance of the military junta today in the first marches since the government crackdown on pro-democracy protests late last month. "This is very significant... we are very encouraged to see the monks taking up action," one Burmese human rights watcher told the BBC.

A US human rights group said yesterday that the junta is recruiting children as young as 10 to serve in the military, reports the AP, citing "continued army expansion, high desertion rates, and a lack of willing volunteers." Myanmar's information ministry dismissed the report as "biased reporting;" however, the internationally denounced junta faces a second visit from a UN envoy this weekend.

Two young ethnic Karen boys man a guard post at New Manerplaw, Myanmar, Karen rebel territory Jan. 31, 2004. Myanmar's military government, already under criticism for abuses, is recruiting children as young as 10 into its armed forces, a U.S. rights group charged in a report released Wednesday, Oct....
Two young ethnic Karen boys man a guard post at New Manerplaw, Myanmar, Karen rebel territory Jan. 31, 2004. Myanmar's military government, already under criticism for abuses, is recruiting children as...   (Associated Press)
Burmese monks marched today in the first protests since the military junta violently put down a pro-democracy rallies late last month. The monks are seeking lower commodity prices, national reconciliation, and immediate release of Aung San Suu Kyi and all the political prisoners.
Burmese monks marched today in the first protests since the military junta violently put down a pro-democracy rallies late last month. The monks are seeking "lower commodity prices, national reconciliation,...   (Getty Images (by Event))
Buddhist monks walk along a street after receiving donations. Burmese monks marched today in the first protests since the military junta violently put down a pro-democracy rallies late last month. The monks are seeking lower commodity prices, national reconciliation, and immediate release of Aung San Suu Kyi and all the...
Buddhist monks walk along a street after receiving donations. Burmese monks marched today in the first protests since the military junta violently put down a pro-democracy rallies late last month. The...   (Getty Images)
Candles are placed in front of portrait of Myanmar democracy activist Aung San Suu Kyi. Burmese monks marched today in the first protests since the military junta violently put down a pro-democracy rallies late last month. The monks are seeking lower commodity prices, national reconciliation, and immediate release of Aung...
Candles are placed in front of portrait of Myanmar democracy activist Aung San Suu Kyi. Burmese monks marched today in the first protests since the military junta violently put down a pro-democracy rallies...   (Getty Images (by Event))
Two young ethnic Karen boys look on following ceremonies to honor those killed in fighting with the Myanmar government Aug. 12, 2001, at Kaw Thoo Lei, Myanmar. Myanmar's military government, already under criticism for abuses, is recruiting children as young as 10 into its armed forces, a U.S. rights...
Two young ethnic Karen boys look on following ceremonies to honor those killed in fighting with the Myanmar government Aug. 12, 2001, at Kaw Thoo Lei, Myanmar. Myanmar's military government, already...   (Associated Press)
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human rights • Myanmar • Burma • Buddhist monks • Aung San Suu Kyi

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