Myanmar’s junta faced fresh international criticism on Friday over the deaths of more than 40 children and the “forced disappearance” of hundreds of people in its crackdown on pro-Democracy protests.

The military’s ruthless suppression of demonstrations against its February 1 power grab has left 543 civilians dead, including 44 children, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), a local monitoring organisation. As well as breaking up protests with tear gas, rubber bullets and live rounds, security forces have detained 2,700 people.