The overarching research objectives associated with the monitoring activities are as follows:
• To develop a better understanding of how under-18 year olds are recruited and used by armed groups, and how children who are suspected of association with armed groups are treated by the Thai security forces and authorities;
• To identify cases and patterns of formal and informal association of children with village defence militias, including Chor Ror Bor and Or Ror Bor.
• To identify issues relating to the treatment of children suspected of involvement with armed groups by Thai authorities either through their arbitrary detention or other ill-treatment during such detention;
• To identify current measures by state authorities to collect DNA samples and other information on children associated with armed groups.