Statement by the Women’s League of Burma

April 24, 2014

The Women’s League of Burma welcomes a new report by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon that calls for Burma’s government to investigate crimes of sexual violence, and highlights the need for constitutional reform to bring the military in Burma under civilian oversight.

The Secretary-General’s new annual report on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence cites continuing incidents of sexual violence in Burma during 2013, and calls for Burma’s government “to investigate and respond to current and historical human rights violations and abuses including crimes of sexual violence.” WLB welcomes this clear recognition of State failure to deal with past and present military sexual violence in Burma. However, previous government-led investigations into military rape have not only failed to deliver justice, but have led to further humiliation and intimidation of rape survivors and their communities. We therefore maintain our call for an independent investigation into sexual violence in conflict areas to be carried out by independent international groups, as well as grassroots organizations working to support and protect women survivors.

WLB is also heartened by the Secretary-General’s inclusion of findings by the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar that “the obligations of the State to fully investigate and hold perpetrators to account had not been met.” He recommended “amendment of constitutional provisions to provide better accountability and civilian oversight over military tribunals.” This conforms directly with WLB’s analysis that the first step to ending military impunity for sexual violence must be to change Burma’s 2008 Constitution.

As preparations are being made for comprehensive political dialogue under the peace process, WLB wishes to reiterate that the role of the Burma Army is a critical factor to protect women from further abuses by the military. Human rights violations, including sexual violence, have been endemic to military rule in Burma, and today, even under nominally civilian rule, these violations are continuing because of the 2008 Constitution, which continues to place the military above the government. Unless and until the military is placed under civilian control through constitutional change, sexual abuses against ethnic women will not stop, and the same pattern of impunity will continue.

Contact:
1. Tin Tin Nyo + 66 (0) 81 032 2882
2. Jessica N. Khun + 66 (0) 89 954 8074