Myanmar - March 2024

Myanmar’s military junta began conscripting men and women into the armed forces in March 2024 under the never-before-used 2010 People’s Military Service Law. Junta officials had announced in February that the process would begin in April, but various media reported the process began across the country in March. The junta has turned to conscription in the face of increasing military setbacks against armed resistance groups as well as defections and desertions. Media reports say conscription aged people are fleeing the country and that resistance has led to the deaths of some officials and others resigning rather that facing the risks of enforcing the law.

Sources: The Diplomat (1), British Broadcasting Corporation, Channel News Asia, The Diplomat (2), The Irrawaddy