A total of 918 cases of conflict-related sexual violence have been committed by Myanmar’s military council between the February 2021 coup and May 2025, according to a report by the Women’s League of Burma (WLB).
According to the WLB, out of the total incidents, 365 occurred in Karenni State (Kayah), 349 in Sagaing Region, 102 in Shan State, 40 in Kachin State, 27 in Tanintharyi Region, 23 in Chin State, 6 in Yangon Region, 3 in Karen State, 3 in Arakan State, 2 in Nay Pyi Taw, 1 in Mandalay Region, and 1 in Magway Region.
The highest number of sexual violence incidents was reported in Karenni State, followed by Sagaing Region. It is important to note that these figures are based solely on data collected by the WLB, and the actual numbers on the ground may be significantly higher.
“Finding a safe place is a major challenge for women. Even homes, which are supposed to be safe, have seen numerous cases of rape and murder,” said Lwey Pa Kyaing Zar, general secretary of the Ta’ang Women’s Organization.
Forms of violence include rape, sexual assault, and trafficking for prostitution, targeting women, children, the elderly, and individuals of diverse sexual orientations.
Women’s rights activists report that the ongoing armed conflicts across Myanmar have exposed women in all regions to sexual violence, leading to widespread psychological and physical insecurity.
“In our region, women are enduring various forms of violence as they flee and try to escape the impacts of war,” said Lwey Pa Kyaing Zar.
Victims of conflict-related sexual violence often find themselves unable to file complaints due to threats from perpetrators.
On the other hand, women’s groups are facing challenges in providing assistance amid military conflicts, said Naw Hser Hser, WLB’s organizing and political leadership representative.
“Without any mechanism, as long as the military conflict continues, these situations will only get worse, and we will face challenges in providing humanitarian assistance and services,” Naw Hser Hser said.
There is a need to create complaint mechanisms that can provide justice to eliminate sexual violence against women. Women’s activists urge that ethnic armed groups also take responsibility for addressing the violence in areas they control.
Women’s rights activists also say that, since the coup, women have been subjected to sexual violence and used as weapons of war.
Women’s rights activists have also pointed out that support from countries like China and some others has enabled the military council to further escalate its human rights violations and acts of violence.
They urge the international community to take stronger and more targeted sanctions and actions in response.
Sent by Aung Htein (DMG)