Statement by the Human Rights Foundation of Monland on International Women’s Day: Women Must be Supported in Burma’s Revolution
Statement by the Human Rights Foundation of Monland on International Women’s Day: Women Must be Supported in Burma’s Revolution
8 March 2025
For Immediate Release
The Human Rights Foundation of Monland (HURFOM) is deeply concerned about the rising rates of violence against women in Burma and, on International Women’s Day, calls for an urgent and coordinated response to the targeted attacks that jeopardize their well-being and safety. There must also be enhanced support for the numerous women human rights defenders (WHRDs) who are bravely advocating for survivors and traumatized, conflict-affected communities.
Furthermore, the junta must be held accountable for their crimes against women by referring the situation of human rights in Burma to the International Criminal Court. Transitional justice pathways should be accessible to survivors, which include reparations and restitution.
In HURFOM-targeted areas of southeastern Burma, including Mon State, Karen State, and the Tanintharyi region, women have consistently demonstrated remarkable resilience in leading, coordinating, and ensuring the safe distribution of urgently needed humanitarian assistance. Their perseverance amid conflict, spurred by the junta’s indiscriminate and targeted attacks on displaced populations, along with life-threatening risks such as sexual violence, domestic abuse, and other forms of gender-based violence, highlights the tremendous sacrifices they have made during the Spring Revolution.
Women face ongoing threats to their lives in conflict zones throughout Burma. HURFOM’s Voice Up series combines data collected on the ground by the Women and Children’s Rights Project of Human Rights to share and analyze the challenges confronting women, children, and youth in quarterly updates. Additionally, ethnic women’s organizations have been documenting crimes of violence by the military against women for decades. Among the consistently alarming observations is the lack of accountability for the ongoing atrocity crimes committed against innocent civilians.
As the junta continues to lose ground across the country, attacks against internally displaced people have escalated, with temporary shelters and even IDP camps being targeted by air strikes, drone attacks, and artillery fire. Those caught in these assaults are left without any access to justice, as domestic accountability systems are entirely unreliable under the regime.
Most recently, HURFOM reported that a woman was killed, and four others were injured after the junta’s air force bombed Knit Wah village in Kyainnseikyi Township, despite no ongoing clashes in the area. On February 26, at 11 AM, an MI-35 military helicopter was seen flying at a low altitude over Knit Wah village, patrolling for about 30 minutes before leaving. At 1 PM, a Y-12 military aircraft arrived and dropped three bombs on the town.
These senseless acts of violence will only continue, and more lives will be lost unless there is immediate intervention. While many global crises persist, the situation in Burma has consistently failed to receive the urgent response it requires. For over seven decades, the military has aimed to isolate and terrorize civilians, particularly ethnic minorities, simply for their existence. Millions have been displaced, including children, women, and the elderly. Yet, despite the widespread challenges they face, they have demonstrated remarkable resilience.
Women are unsafe in Burma. For far too long, global and regional stakeholders have failed them. They have neglected to uphold, protect, and promote their rights. Nonetheless, the need for their protection to ensure their survival remains urgent. There is overwhelming evidence of the junta’s crimes, which have been thoroughly documented and demand accountability.
Now is the time to act. To secure reparations, women must be given safe and accessible pathways to justice. Donors should support or invest in locally led organizations that provide critical aid and direct assistance to women and survivors. Furthermore, the international community and stakeholders involved in the pro-democracy movement in Burma must recognize and protect the courageous efforts of women human rights defenders who continue their fight for justice despite the risks they face.
Acknowledging the sacrifices made by women and women’s human rights defenders in Burma must lead to promoting their rights and assuring women’s participation.
Media Contact
Nai Aue Mon, HURFOM Program Director
Email: [email protected]
Signal: +66 86 167 9741
Mi Seik Non, Assistant Coordinator
Email: [email protected]
Signal: +95 9 772 760 517
