Escaping conscription: Myanmar’s youth seek refuge abroad
In response to Myanmar’s military junta enacting a conscription law earlier this year amid ongoing unrest following the 2021 coup, thousands of young people, including former teachers like Khaing, have fled the country in fear of forced enlistment. The junta’s move, purportedly aimed at bolstering its ranks amidst widespread resistance, has sparked a humanitarian crisis as civilians seek refuge across borders, primarily into neighboring Thailand.
Khaing’s journey typifies the desperate measures taken by many. Fearing imminent conscription, she arranged her escape clandestinely, finding herself hidden in a smuggler’s van bound for Thailand. With minimal possessions—basic clothing, cash, and an ID card—she embarked on an uncertain path, unsure of when or if she could return to her homeland.
Rights groups estimate that tens of thousands of young Myanmar nationals have fled since the conscription law’s introduction in February. The law mandates the enlistment of 5,000 individuals aged 18-35 monthly, yet specifics regarding selection criteria and deployment remain vague, contributing to widespread fear and uncertainty among the populace.
Reports of individuals being forcibly recruited, despite military denials, have intensified panic and prompted swift actions among those at risk. Myanmar’s junta responded by tightening border controls and temporarily halting the issuance of foreign work permits for young men, further restricting avenues for escape.
Thailand, long a refuge for Myanmar nationals, hosts a significant community along its border regions and in urban centers like Bangkok. The influx of refugees fleeing conscription has strained resources and exacerbated challenges in accurately assessing the scale of displacement. According to the International Labour Organization, the conflict has hindered efforts to conduct comprehensive surveys or verify the exact number of young people seeking asylum abroad.
The situation underscores the dire humanitarian consequences of Myanmar’s political turmoil and military crackdown. As the junta continues to confront armed opposition and faces allegations of severe human rights abuses, including indiscriminate violence against civilians, the exodus of youth seeking safety abroad persists as a poignant testament to the turmoil gripping the nation.
In conclusion, Myanmar’s youth, faced with the grim prospect of military conscription amid escalating violence and political repression, are fleeing across borders in search of safety and a semblance of normalcy. The international community’s response remains crucial in providing humanitarian aid and support to those displaced, while pressuring Myanmar’s military leadership to uphold human rights and restore democratic governance.
