The Human Rights Foundation of Monland Releases Fourth Report in the “Voice Up” Series: A Gendered Overview of the Human Rights Situation in Southeastern BurmaSeptember – November 2024

November 27, 2024

27 November 2024

For Immediate Release

Today, the Human Rights Foundation of Monland (HURFOM) releases the fourth and final report of the year in the Voice Up series, which focuses on the gendered impacts of the attempted coup in Southeastern Burma throughout the year. The findings from September to November 2024 indicate an ongoing decline in women’s rights and their fundamental freedoms. Attacks against innocent civilians continue with impunity and a lack of meaningful intervention by the international community. The first update was published at the beginning of March 2024, the second followed in June 2024, and the third most recently released in September 2024.

In targeted areas of Mon State, Karen State, and the Tanintharyi region, the military junta has killed 176 women since the coup on February 1, 2021, in addition to 370 women wounded and 196 individuals unlawfully arrested and detained. The military has also murdered 48 children and injured 80 others. These statistics include HURFOM’s latest numbers, which found 15 women killed, 27 wounded, and 19 arbitrarily arrested. Additionally, seven were killed, and 13 suffered injuries ranging from minor to life-threatening. The military junta was the sole perpetrator of the crimes detailed in this report.

HURFOM’s newest report coincides with the 16 Days of Activism, an annual campaign held from November 25 to December 10 aimed at raising awareness to combat violence against women and girls. The crimes documented by HURFOM against women are part of a broader global crisis of violence faced by women and girls. During the reporting period, human rights violations included arbitrary arrests, indiscriminate gunfire, enforced disappearances, drone strikes, landmines, and persistent incidents of sexual and gender-based violence, including conflict-related sexual violence.

Women have always been at the forefront of spirited calls for change, and the Spring Revolution in Burma is no exception. By transcending gender norms and challenging stereotypes, women continue to emerge as leaders. Despite facing many challenges, their strength and courage are evident in their pursuit of change for a democratic future.

The international community must heed the calls of women changemakers and their communities to end the decades of injustice they have faced. This includes a global arms embargo, sanctions on aviation fuel, and the necessary referral of the situation in Burma to the International Criminal Court. The military has evaded accountability for too long, and now it must confront the repercussions of its actions. Achieving justice is crucial for setting a new standard in the country, demonstrating that no one is above the law.

Media Contact

Mi Seik Non, Assistant Coordinator

Email: miseiknon222@gmail.com

Phone: +66 94 390 2453

Nai Aue Mon, HURFOM Program Director

Email: auemon@rehmonnya.org

Signal: +66 86 167 9741

HURFOM was founded by exiled pro-democracy students from the 1988 uprisings, recent activists, Mon community leaders, and youth. Its primary objective is to restore democracy, human rights, and genuine peace in Burma. HURFOM is a non-profit organization, and all its members are volunteers with a shared vision for peace in the country.

Written by HURFOM · Filed Under News