UN expert Tom Andrews cautioned that Myanmar's military junta is posing an escalating threat to civilians, alongside displaying signs of growing weakness and desperation by enforcing compulsory military service.

Tom Andrews, the UN special rapporteur on Myanmar's human rights situation, emphasized the need for stronger international intervention to safeguard the increasingly vulnerable populace.

"The international community must act urgently to isolate the junta and protect the people of Myanmar," Andrews stated, as per a press release from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

"While wounded and increasingly desperate, the Myanmar military junta remains extremely dangerous," reiterated the UN expert.

The junta recently enacted a mandate purportedly activating the 2010 People's Military Service Law, compelling citizen men aged 18 to 35 and citizen women aged 18 to 27 into conscription, with provisions for older individuals under certain circumstances.

Evading military service or aiding others in evading it can lead to imprisonment for up to five years, as indicated by the junta's decree. They aim to conscript 5,000 individuals monthly starting April, according to a junta spokesperson.

In light of the UN Security Council's inaction, Andrews urged states to enhance and coordinate measures to curtail the junta's access to weapons and funding.

"Desperation signs, like the imposition of a draft, don't indicate a reduced threat from the junta. In fact, many now face even graver dangers," emphasized the UN expert.

"By activating the conscription law, the junta seeks to legitimize and expand forced recruitment, which already adversely affects civilian populations nationwide," Andrews remarked.

"Many young men have reportedly been abducted from Myanmar's streets or coerced into military service. Villagers have allegedly been used as porters and human shields," Andrews added.

“Young people dread being compelled to partake in the junta's terror regime. The number of individuals fleeing across borders to evade conscription is likely to surge.”

Andrews also urged increased humanitarian aid for affected communities, including cross-border assistance.

"I urge the international community to provide heightened levels of humanitarian aid to those affected by the conflict while supporting leaders committed to a democratic transition that upholds human rights, transparency, and accountability," Andrews concluded.

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