The Tatmadaw is always striving to become the powerful, efficient and patriotic armed forces reliable for the people and the State.
The Tatmadaw born during the independence struggle has served the national duties, with devotion and efficiency during the successive periods. It is also playing the respective role in developing the country during the administration of the government in office.
In doing so, the Tatmadaw is always striving to become the powerful, efficient and patriotic armed forces reliable for the people and the State.
A Myanmar delegation led by Union Minister for Defence Lt-Gen Sein Win attended the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Bangkok from 10 to 12 July 2019, and exchanged views on multi-sectors. The meeting approved the Concept Paper on Establishment of ASEAN Military Medicine Conference presented by Myanmar.
The Union Minister led a delegation, and attended the opening ceremony of CISM Military World Games (Wuhan 2019) in Wuhan, Hubei Province, the People’s Republic of China on 7 October 2019.
The Union Minister and delegation then attended the 9th Beijing Xiangshan Forum in Beijing from 20 to 22 October. At the meeting views on overcoming of challenges and strengthening of multi-country defence cooperation that will support regional peace and stability and prosperity were exchanged.
A Myanmar delegation led by Union Minister for Defence Lt-Gen Sein Win attended the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Retreat and the 6th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus in Bangkok from 16 to 19 November 2019 and exchanged views on regional and international security issues and the establishment of friendly partnership.
The Union Minister for Defence and delegation took part in the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Retreat and the Informal ASEAN-Australia Defence Ministers Meeting from 18 to 20 February 2019 in Hanoi, Viet Nam and exchanged views on regional and international security based on common interest. The ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Retreat issued the Joint Statement by The ASEAN Defence Ministers on Defence Cooperation against Disease Outbreaks.
The meetings enabled Myanmar to cordially shared its views on its stand in defence matters with ASEAN countries, explain Myanmar endeavours in connection with issue of Rakhine State, its stance in implementing the ASEAN projects and prospects to enhance friendship.
Myanmar successfully hosted 11th ADMM Plus Experts’ Working Group on Military Medicine Meeting and Handover Ceremony of the ADMM-Plus EWG on MM Co-Chairmanship at M-Gallery Hotel in Nay Pyi Taw from 6 to 10 October 2019. The meeting focused on friendship among the medical forces of the various countries, sharing experiences, establishing bilateral and multiple cooperation and sharing medical knowledge and medical equipment handling techniques. Myanmar and India handed over the chairmanship duty to Brunei and Australia.
Cooperation with UN on Monitoring and Reporting on preventing the recruitment of juveniles as soldiers
The Ministry of Defence and the United Nations Country Task Force on Monitoring and Reporting (UN CTFMR) signed an action plan to prevent the recruitment and use of children as soldiers on 27 June 2012. The committee to prevent the recruitment and use of children as soldiers was formed with 13 members.
The Government of the Republic of Union of Myanmar and the United Nations Country Task Force on Monitoring and Reporting (UN CTFMR) jointly held meetings at the Ministry of Defence for three times during the fourth year.
Multiplier courses to prevent the recruitment and use of children as soldiers were held under the arrangement of the respective military commands and 681 officers and 3121 other ranks have completed the courses. The military commands are also holding the courses every two months.
The Tatmadaw permitted four soldiers who joined the army before reaching 18 to leave the army on 12-6-2019, 18 on 13-12-2019 in accordance with the procedures, and properly handed them back to their parents or custodians. During the four-year period, 262 were found that they entered the army before reaching 18, and they all were transferred back to patents/custodians. Since 2012, 1006 under-18 soldiers have been allowed to leave the army, and handed over to their parents or custodians.
Ten officers and eight other ranks who recruited minors into the army faced punishment, and till now disciplinary action had taken against 28 officers and 65 other ranks.
In order to prevent the recruitment of children, the Tatmadaw has been strictly observing the provisions of the agreement of the Plan of Action in cooperation with the UN CTFMR. The proposal of the UN CTFMR to conduct National Campaign Materials one more time was aired from State-run TV and radio beginning 9-5-2017. Efforts are being made jointly with the CTFMR to entirely end the use of child soldiers and to release the Tatmadaw from the list of child soldier using armed forces.
Search, rescue and assistance during the natural disasters
The section 341 of the State Constitution stipulates, “The Defence Services shall render assistance when calamities that affect the Union and its citizens occur in the Union.” In accordance with the stipulation, the Tatmadaw has been taking part in disaster preparatory tasks to mitigate the ill effects of the natural disasters, disaster response, search and rescue operations and rehabilitation tasks.
In all seriousness, the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services has also instructed the Tatmadaw members to immediately render assistance without waiting for any order as soon as the natural disaster occurs, and to undergo training to protect the national people from any kind of disasters and dangers in time like their international counterparts.
The Tatmadaw troops discharged security duties at the fire outbreaks occurred in nine township of four regions and state during the fourth year. Moreover, the Tatmadaw helped resettled 65 families of the fire victims, repaired one monastery and 62 homes and provided healthcare for 363 victims. It also provided Ks 21.6 million worth of relief aids.
When gust destroyed religious buildings, government offices and homes in 20 townships of seven regions and states, the Tatmadaw took part in the resettlement program, repaired the damaged buildings, offices and homes and provided Ks 10.4 million worth of relief aids.
During other disaster such as floods or earthquakes, the Tatmadaw provided healthcare services for the victims, repaired damaged buildings, conducted search and rescue operations, transported essential goods, and provided relief aids worth kyats in millions.
The Myanmar Tamadaw always places Our Three Maing National Causes in the force, is shouldering the national defence duties brilliantly and with might and main. It is also taking part in the Government’s national development endeavours with accelerated momentum. With this article, the accomplishments of the Tatmadaw in the interest of the nation and the people are honoured.
(Translation: TMT)
