Myanmar frees scores of child soldiers from armed forces: UN

YANGON, Jan 18, (AFP): Myanmar's army has freed 96 children and young people from its armed forces, the United Nations said Saturday, hailing a "historic step" towards ending the use of child soldiers in the formerly junta-run nation.

The move was the largest single release of child recruits since Myanmar's new reformist government and its "tatmadaw" army signed a June 2012 pact with the UN on the issue.

A total of 272 children and young people have been released over the past 18 months as the military has slowed-but not yet completely halted-its use of children.

The release was "an historic step towards ending the recruitment and use of children by the Myanmar Armed Forces," the United Nations said in a statement.