UN spokesman: 126 journalists detained in Myanmar, 47 still in prison

"The United Nations is deeply concerned about the situation in Myanmar. At least 126 journalists and media representatives have been detained by the military in Myanmar since February 1, and 47 are still in custody. Twenty of them have been charged with criminal activities. Nine media have had their licenses revoked another 20 are suspended," Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesman for the Secretary-General, said, the local bureau of Report informs.

“The military is openly trying to prevent journalists from reporting on serious human rights violations in Myanmar,” he added.

Haq said that UN staff in the region have identified serious problems with truancy.

“Over 12 million children in the country do not have access to organized education for 18 months. The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) is working to ensure that children are not left out of school, and together with its partners, is distributing educational materials to approximately 300,000 children in various provinces and regions so that they can continue their education at home."