Rights to education for millions of children denied

Rights to education for millions of children denied

Published on Saturday, 31 May 2014 21:56

Millions of children in Myanmar cannot access to education and other welfare benefits, according to director of Myanmar Children's Rights Development Network.

"There is no peace and stability in the families, organisations and regions due to military clashes, resulting in millions of children having lost their rights. If the government neglects them, our country in the next 10 years may face dire challenges," said Akar Soe Naun, director of the network.

Children in Myanmar, especially those in strife-torn areas like Kachin, Kayin, Shan and Rakhine, do not get their rights for education, welfare, family living and physical and mental development.

More than the 70 per cent of children live in the orphanage schools in Myanmar. They have parents. And poverty is the main cause for their plight, according to Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement. 

There are 14,410 children in 177 orphanage schools in 2006. This has increased to 17,322 children in 217 orphanage schools.

Children estranged from families might face a high rate of suicide, low intelligence and physical and mental problems. They are prone to fall prey of human trafficking and sexual abuse.

There are a number of better ways to look after these children, according to a resident representative of Unicef. For example, orphans should be under the care of their relatives.

http://www.information.myanmaronlinecentre.com/rights-to-education-for-millions-of-children-denied/