Priority to protect: Preventing children’s association with village defence militias in southern Thailand

This joint report from Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers and Justice for Peace Foundation focuses on evidence of the association of boys under the age of 18 with Chor Ror Bor (Village Defence Volunteers), one of the government-established village defence militias. The report raises concerns relating to the administrative detention of children suspected of association with armed opposition groups as well as the urgent need for key measures to protect children from involvement in armed activities and related abuses. If implemented these measures would significantly strengthen child protection. They would also contribute to ensuring that Thailand’s obligations under international human rights law are upheld.