User:Sailingsmooth5/People’s Military Service Law

The People’s Military Service Law is a compulsory conscription law enacted by the military junta in Myanmar. Initially drafted in 2010 by the Tatmadaw, Myanmar's armed forces, the law was enforced on February 10, 2024, in response to the ongoing Myanmar Civil War.

Background

Compulsory conscription in Myanmar dates back to the mid-1950s, with military leaders initially proposing it due to fears of potential invasions by neighboring countries. The National Service Bill was drafted in 1955 but only taken to parliament to be enacted under the caretaker government of 1958 to 1960, with its enforcement status being unclear.
Before 1988, the military primarily relied on volunteers to replenish its ranks, using the provisions of the National Service Bill to enlist technical specialists like doctors and engineers. Forced recruitment became prevalent after the 8888 Uprising and the military's subsequent expansion. Reports indicated arbitrary recruitment of individuals, including minors, into the Tatmadaw and other militia groups without specific compulsory military service laws.
Despite widespread forced recruitment, the military leadership hesitated to implement mandatory conscription, fearing internal dissent that could threaten the regime. When the conscription law was presented on November 4, 2010, it generated significant public panic and criticism, leading quasi-civilian governments from 2011 to 2021 to delay its enforcement. It wasn't until February 10, 2024, following the 2021 Myanmar coup d'etat and the start of the Myanmar Civil War, that the military regime enforced mandatory conscription under the People’s Military Service Law.

Provisions

The law targets draft-eligible individuals, including men aged 18 to 35 and women aged 18 to 27, with provisions allowing for the conscription of older individuals classified as "professional" up to the ages of 45 and 35, respectively. Penalties are imposed for evasion of military service or aiding others in evading conscription.

Enforcement

According to Tom Andrews, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, young men have allegedly been abducted from the urban areas of Myanmar and coerced into enlisting in the military in recent months. Additionally, reports suggest that villagers have been forced to serve as porters and human shields.
A Junta spokesperson indicated that they seek to recruit 5,000 soldiers per year thanks to this law.

Impact

The implementation of mandatory conscription under the People’s Military Service Law has escalated instability in Myanmar and raised alarms about the safety and well-being of civilian populations. The law has intensified calls for international intervention to protect vulnerable communities and prevent further violence and human rights violations in the country. Tom Andrews, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, called it an attack on civilian rights in the country.