RANGOON \u2014 Burmese children\u2019s rights advocates and appointed children\u2019s representatives called on parliamentarians to participate in the upcoming National Children\u2019s Forum in Naypyidaw, during which they hope that new laws and policies protecting the country\u2019s youth emerge and existing laws are reinforced.<\/p>\n
The forum will be held at the Mingalar Thiri Hotel from Nov. 18-20, coinciding with Universal Children\u2019s Day on Nov. 20\u2014the day the UN General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989.<\/p>\n
Burma signed the Convention on the Rights of the Child in July 1991, adopting survival, developmental, protection and participation rights for children.<\/p>\n
U Aung Myo Min, director of Equality Myanmar, said at a press conference on Tuesday in Rangoon that regarding participation rights, many Asean countries, including Burma, largely fail to take into account children\u2019s voices when addressing children\u2019s issues.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt this forum, children will present their needs and recommendations to the country\u2019s legislators to address the problems,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He said many child rape cases are seen on social media and that about 300 girls and boys under age 18 are trafficked each month to Thailand, according to data compiled by civil society organizations working along the border in Thailand\u2019s Mae Sot. He added that in underage rape cases, perpetrators are quickly released and not severely punished.<\/p>\n
About 70 lawmakers from the Union Parliament, along with other interested lawmakers, were invited to join 130 children\u2019s representatives from 14 different states and divisions at the forum to discuss current issues.<\/p>\n
Ma Theint Honey Htun, a children\u2019s representative from Karenni State who will attend the forum, said state representatives would discuss education, public health, protection, peace and environmental preservation in regards to youth at the forum.<\/p>\n
She said prior to the forum, representatives discussed with children the difficulties they face including drugs, landmines and security issues in conflict areas, limited education and water scarcity.<\/p>\n
Mg Zin Min Thu, one of six representatives from Rangoon Division who will attend the forum, told The Irrawaddy they also discussed domestic violence, child labor, education and health problems.<\/p>\n
\u201cI would like lawmakers to attend the forum and to listen to our voices. I hope they will address the problems and needs that we present,\u201d Ma Theint Honey Htun added.<\/p>\n
U Aung Myo Min said the children\u2019s recommendations from the forum would also be used in an alternative report put out by non-governmental and civil society organizations next year coinciding with a government report on the Convention of the Rights of the Child.<\/p>\n