Child Rights Under Special Laws

Thailand's three southern provinces has been plagued with continuing violence for nearly 7 years and with no end in sight. To deal with the situation, the governemt has imposed two special laws, the martial law, in 2004, and the emergency decree for administration in the emergency situation, in 2005. The laws have given much power to the military in their operation to quell the unrest.

Despite statements from the military commanders in the areas of South Thailand of their commitment to protect children's rights, there exists strong evidence that a number of children in the areas have been treated with heavy handed measures and even torture - as a result of the power used under the special laws.

The muslim attorney center foundation, a group of lawyers helping people on legal cases in the areas, says they have received complaints on cases involved 45 minors - 31 of them being searched and arrested.

Including among those arrested, were the youngest two 13 year- old- children. The other 16 were of 18 years of age. There was an evidence showing that some of these children were tortured. The obvious cases were that of 4 children from yala province and 2 from pattani. More over, 8 of them were sent to take part in the forced vocational training for a period of up to four months.

Aside from these children, there were two who were shot dead by offcials. All of these children were Malay-Muslims.