Save the Children, UNESCO and UNICEF call on security forces to vacate occupied premises immediately and ensure that schools and educational facilities are not used by military or security personnel.

Soldiers have occupied more than 60 schools and university campuses in 13 states and regions, according to the joint statement by Save the Children, the UNESCO and the UNICEF on March 19th.

The occupation of education facilities across Myanmar by security forces is a serious violation of children’s rights according to the joint statement.

A local said: “The people opposed the occupation of university by security forces. They said they had occupied the university for “security reasons,” Bu here is no security if they come here. They occupied Myitkyina People’s Hospital and Zeelun Basic Education High School. They spent one night in the school. The people could not sleep. We don’t want them to stay in the public areas like schools and hospitals. And They still occupy the banks.”

On March 6th there were confrontations between the security forces and the people when the security forces entered the compound of Myitkyina University. At least three people were arrested by the security forces.

It will exacerbate the learning crisis for almost 12 million children and youth in Myanmar, already suffering from tremendous pressure as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing widespread school closures.

The security forces have occupied the government offices, banks, power plants, universities and schools in Myitkyina of Kachin State.

In at least one incident, security forces reportedly beat two teachers while entering premises, and left several others injured. Other public institutions including hospitals have also been occupied.

These incidents mark a further escalation of the current crisis and represent a serious violation of the rights of children. Schools must be not used by security forces under any circumstances. Save the Children, UNESCO and UNICEF remind security forces of their obligation to uphold the rights of all children and youth in Myanmar to education as enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Myanmar Child Rights Law, and the National Education Law and call on them to exercise maximum restraint and end all forms of occupation and interference with education facilities, personnel, students and other public institutions.