Myanmar rights activist criticizes ASEAN’s inaction on women’s plight

Daw Khin Ohnmar, chairwoman of the rights-based advocacy group Progressive Voice, has voiced strong disappointment over ASEAN’s handling of Myanmar’s political crisis, accusing the bloc of ignoring the suffering of women amid ongoing violence.

Speaking at the “Joint Forum on Strengthening Regional Accountability: ASEAN’s Failure on Women, Youth, Peace and Security in Myanmar,” held in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday, Khin Ohnmar said ASEAN’s decisions on regional stability had failed to consider the voices of Myanmar’s women.

“We are deeply disappointed with ASEAN. While decisions have been made in the name of ensuring long-term regional security, in reality, Myanmar’s women have been ignored,” she said.

She added that it was “unthinkable” that ASEAN had not consulted relevant stakeholders while women in Myanmar continued to face rape, abduction, and village burnings.

Khin Ohnmar also alleged that individuals linked to Myanmar’s military were participating in ASEAN-related bodies despite not representing the country’s people who are actually suffering. She urged the bloc to engage legitimate representatives in discussions on peace, security, and political representation.

The forum, held from 7:30 am to 11 am, opened with remarks by the chairperson of Malaysia’s Human Rights Commission (SUHAKAM) and the ASEAN Chair’s Special Envoy to Myanmar.

Panellists included Khin Ohnmar, Karenni women’s rights defender Zu Padonmar, Zu Zu May Yoon of the Women’s Organization of Political Prisoners, Cecilia from the Chin Women’s Organization, Anna of the Burma Women’s Union, and ALTSEAN-Burma coordinator Debbie Stothard, who discussed sexual violence against women.

A second session focused on youth and featured speakers from several Myanmar civil society groups, along with Malaysian MP and former Foreign Minister Dato’ Sri Saifuddin Abdullah, who joined a Q&A session.

The event, jointly organized by SUHAKAM, Progressive Voice, and ALTSEAN-Burma, aimed to highlight the resilience and challenges of women and youth in Myanmar and to urge stronger ASEAN and international support for a democratic federal future.

The forum took place shortly after Malaysian Foreign Minister and ASEAN Chair’s Special Representative for Myanmar met junta leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing in Naypyidaw on 10 October.

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