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Countering the Militarisation of Youth Programme (CMoY) at WRI is launching the first issue of its new periodical which will specifically focus on the issues surrounding youth militarisation. In the CMoY bulletin, you'll find articles addressing key issues around youth militarisation, written by experts and activists all around the world, plus an overview of the recent news linking young people to war and resistance to militarisation. This is our call out for articles for the first issue, which will focus on the gender and sexuality dynamics of youth militarisation.

The British government has chosen Europe’s largest arms manufacturer as its preferred sponsor of an under-performing school in northwestern England, prompting criticism by anti-arms trade activists.

The UK-based BAE Systems, which made £15.4 billion in profits last year, is set to take over Furness Academy in Barrow, Cumbria, in September by setting up a trust to run the school under its submarine-building plant based in the town, SchooWeek journal reported Friday.

This is while Sam Robinson, university coordinator for the Campaign Against the Arms Trade (CAAT), described the decision as “deeply worrying.”

“The idea [BAE] could soon be playing a significant role in running one of our schools is deeply worrying,” added Robinson.

He further said, “It … gives them direct access to potential future employees and often allows them to influence the curriculum to suit their employment needs.”

April marks draft season for young Thai males. As in previous years, this year's military screening did not fail to stir a high degree of public excitement, with superstar Mario Maurer among the celebrities to play the "black card-red card" game, while photos of beautiful transsexuals who turned up for the inspection went viral on social media.

Even though the military draft has ended, criticism over the failure of military conscription to hold true to its purpose of "service to the nation" has not ceased. Rather, it is here to stay, especially under a military-led government that prides itself highly on national reform and "returning happiness to the people".

By Charlene Rodrigues and Mohammed Al-Qalisi, The Independent

With schools forced to close, children as young as seven have been recruited by the Shia Houthi rebels.

At the entrance of Bab Al-Yemen, Old Sanaa, a waif-like Hassan, dwarfed by his Kalashnikov, stands at a checkpoint. His dark eyes scan vehicles as they pass through.

Like most seven-year-olds in Sanaa, Hassan used to spend his time at school – or playing table football with his friends. That was until three weeks ago.