Friday’s discharge marked the first release of child soldiers from military service since the U Htin Kyaw Government took office in April this year.

“We call on the government to accelerate the essential remaining steps, particularly by clearly banning the use and recruitment of children in the soon to be adopted, nationally recognised Child Law, which will further reinforce age assessment procedures within the military recruitment process, including the prevention of violations against children in the military curriculum,” said Bertrand Bainvel, UNICEF’s Burma representative.

The UN’s statement also mentioned that the newly released children and young people will benefit from socio-economic reintegration programs, including access to education, vocational training, and income generation activities, to restart their lives.

“We welcome this discharge, while stressing the need for the government to continue making every effort to end the recruitment and use of children in its armed forces,” said Renata Dessallien, the UN’s Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Myanmar.

The exact number of underage soldiers in the Tatmadaw is unknown.

At least seven ethnic armed groups, including Kachin Independence Army, United Wa State Army (UWSA) and Shan State Army-South, recruit minors, according to the UN.

Since the joint action plan was signed between the military and UN in 2012, the total number released from military service is at 800.

On the same day, in addition to the 55 children released from service, 13 young people who were recruited as children but are now adults, were also discharged.