Myanmar’s military leader Min Aung Hlaing, who became president following the military-organised election, said his administration will continue implementing the country’s conscription law, reaffirming a policy that has been widely criticised by rights groups over allegations of forced recruitment.
Speaking during the 12th day of the Second Regular Session of the Third Union Parliament on 31 July, Min Aung Hlaing made the remarks in a speech marking the first 100 days of his administration.
Citing Article 340 of Myanmar’s Constitution, he said the military would continue to lead the implementation of a “People’s Defence Strategy” aimed at ensuring public participation in national defence and security.
He also said the government would continue providing the resources needed to build what he described as a modern, combat-ready military.
Myanmar’s military activated the People’s Military Service Law on 10 February 2024, as it faced mounting battlefield losses and manpower shortages amid fighting across the country. Authorities have since launched 26 batches of military training under the programme.
Under the law, men aged 18 to 35 and women aged 18 to 27 are eligible for compulsory military service. Higher age limits apply to certain professionals, while the period of service can be extended to up to five years during a state of emergency.
The military authorities have maintained that conscription is being carried out in accordance with the law. However, residents, independent monitors and human rights organisations have documented widespread reports of young people being seized from their homes or in public places, compulsory lottery-style recruitment, demands for substitute recruits and the extortion of money in exchange for exemption.
Human Rights Watch has also reported that children have been unlawfully recruited during conscription drives and that some have subsequently been deployed to frontline combat areas.
Groups monitoring the implementation of the conscription programme estimate that more than 100,000 people may have been recruited through the first 26 training intakes. They say many were conscripted under coercion or intimidation rather than volunteering for military service.
