The Military Conscription Law: Unlawful Recruitment and Enlistment Before Its Implementation

Myanmar Spring Chronicle – January 25 Update
MoeMaKa, January 25, 2025

The Military Conscription Law: Unlawful Recruitment and Enlistment Before Its Implementation

The military regime enacted the “Public Military Service Law” on March 10 last year. However, its implementing regulations were only announced on January 23, 2025—over nine months later. Despite this delay, conscription began as early as April last year, with reports indicating that around 5,000 recruits were enlisted monthly. By now, an estimated 40,000 individuals have been forcibly recruited.

Young people across Myanmar, especially in areas controlled by the military regime, were subjected to unlawful recruitment, arrests, and ransom demands. This recruitment drive, although framed as legal under the newly published regulations, reflects a widespread disregard for legal and procedural norms.

The Reality of Forced Recruitment

Under international norms, a law requiring implementing regulations cannot be enforced without those regulations. However, the military regime enforced its conscription law for nearly nine months without them. This led to tens of thousands of individuals being sent to the frontlines, many of whom suffered injuries or fatalities.

After a mere three-month military training period, recruits were deployed to combat zones. Reports indicate that many fled, surrendered, or were killed. The recently announced regulations allow the recruitment of civilian government employees and stipulate that individuals may be conscripted multiple times if necessary.

Conscription’s Widespread Impact

Those subjected to conscription were prohibited from leaving the country, though many had already been restricted from traveling abroad since last year. For instance, individuals of conscription age faced questioning and denial of departure at airports and border crossings.

In cities such as Yangon, Mandalay, Pathein, Taunggyi, Monywa, and Mawlamyine, urban residents and young people from ethnic regions living in these cities have been forcibly recruited. In conflict zones, ethnic armed groups have also resorted to conscription or financial demands, exacerbating the burdens on local communities.

Exploitation and Corruption

The military’s conscription process has created opportunities for extortion. Local administrators, police, and military personnel have detained young people in towns and villages, demanding bribes for their release. Reports indicate that bribes ranged from 500,000 to 10 million MMK or even higher, depending on the individual’s financial capacity and location.

Fleeing Conscription

Many young people have fled Myanmar to avoid conscription, seeking refuge in Thailand and Malaysia. Those with financial resources have obtained legal visas, while others have entered illegally, often facing arrests and deportations. Upon deportation, these individuals risk being conscripted by the regime.

Broader Consequences

The exodus of young people has adversely impacted Myanmar’s domestic economy and labor force, particularly in the service sector. Families are being torn apart, with many relying on income from relatives working as migrant laborers abroad. This dire situation highlights the broader decline in the country’s social, economic, and political stability amidst ongoing conflict.

The systemic conscription practices and the exploitation surrounding them have compounded the suffering of Myanmar’s people, leaving a trail of despair and uncertainty.

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