A/70/162 2015, which reiterated the prohibition of the recruitment and use of children, including by the “civilian joint task force” and vigilante groups. Since her visit to Nigeria, the Special Representative has continued engagement and advocacy on her concerns regarding the protection of children, particularly in the context of operations against Boko Haram/JAS by individual neighbouring countries a nd by the Multinational Joint Task Force. Myanmar 49. From 12 to 17 July 2015, the Special Representative undertook a visit to Myanmar focusing on the implementation of the joint action plan signed in 2012 to end and prevent the recruitment and use of children by the armed forces of Myanmar (Tatmadaw). She travelled to Nay Pyi Taw, Yangon, Mandalay and Myitkyina (Kachin State) and met with senior officials from the Government, the Tatmadaw and civil society. She had constructive dialogue on the remaini ng challenges to close the gaps and prevent child recruitment and use by the Tatmadaw. The Special Representative welcomed the release of 646 former child soldiers since the signature of the joint action plan, but stressed the need for proactive measures t o prevent continuing underage recruitment. In particular, she called for the robust application of age assessment within the centralized military recruitment process, and for accountability through the criminalization of the recruitment and use of children by both military and civilian perpetrators. Another concern raised with the Government was the detention of child soldiers for alleged desertion from the Tatmadaw. 50. The Special Representative met with former child soldiers released by the Tatmadaw, who shared their experiences of the long-term physical and psychological impacts of underage recruitment and use. With the Government, she highlighted the need to address the root causes of child recruitment, including through increasing access to education and employment opportunities. 51. In her dialogue with both Government interlocutors and non -State armed groups, the Special Representative noted that, in the context of the ongoing peace process, addressing common concerns relating to the protection of ch ildren could be an entry point for building trust and de-escalating tensions between the parties. She also reminded the parties that immediate steps could be taken to release children from their ranks and end underage recruitment, even without a nationwide ceasefire agreement, which was under negotiation at the time of the visit. B. Working with regional organizations African Union 52. The Special Representative continued her engagement with the African Union throughout the reporting period. Her Office supported the development of the African Union workplan, which was approved in February 2015 to operationalize the declaration of intent signed in 2013. The workplan identifies core priorities to incorporate the issue of children and armed conflict into the work, policies, and decision-making of the African Union, with particular attention on capacity and knowledge management, support to State ratifications and compliance with African treaty bodies, and mainstreaming in the planning of African Union peace support operations. In addition, the Special Representative was invited to a high -level 15-12221 13/17