Across Myanmar, 66 women were killed and 88 injured in March at the hands of military junta forces, according to a statement released on 16 April by the Burmese Women’s Union (BWU).
In addition, amid nationwide grief caused by the powerful earthquake, the junta has increased its use of airstrikes compared to previous months and has been violently killing women during military operations, a BWU official said.
“Besides airstrikes, this month, we’ve seen executions, the arbitrary killing of innocent women during military operations, and violent murders. These are notable differences compared to before. Another significant change is that airstrikes have become more frequent than in previous months,” the official said.
On 28 March, a powerful earthquake struck Sagaing and Mandalay, resulting in thousands of deaths.
During this time, the military council continued to commit various human rights violations, including war crimes and crimes against humanity, according to the BWU statement.
Of the women killed, 50 died due to airstrikes, five from artillery fire, two from landmines, seven from direct killings, one from being burned to death, and one from sexual violence, the BWU statement reported.
Among the 66 women killed, 24 were under 18 years o ld, and up to 88 women were injured due to junta’s atrocities, BWU stated.
These figures are compiled from media reports and data collected on the ground. Due to various challenges in accessing on-the-ground information, the actual number of deaths and injuries may be higher, the BWU statement noted.
“Our purpose in releasing these monthly reports on women’s deaths is to seek justice for the victims. These figures allow us to advocate during our campaigns or when calling for an end to violence, enabling us to speak with concrete data,” the BWU official added.
Of the 66 women killed, two were from Kachin State, 15 from Magway Region (the highest number), 12 from Mandalay Region and Shan State, nine from Sagaing Region, seven from Bago Region, two each from Karenni, Karen, Tanintharyi, and Arakan States, and one from Ayeyarwady Region, according to the BWU statement.
From 1 to 28 February, 66 women were also killed nationwide, including six in Kachin State, the BWU reported.
Despite calls for a ceasefire and halt to offensives following the earthquake, announced by groups including the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the military junta itself, armed clashes continue across the country, with the junta continuing airstrikes.
Sent by KNG.