Women and Children Are Paying the Highest Price in Burma’s Ongoing Crisis
July 11, 2025
Southeastern Burma
The Human Rights Foundation of Monland (HURFOM) has released Issue 2, Volume 2 of its “Voice Up” report, covering the second quarter of 2025, and the findings are heartbreaking. From April to June, women and children across Southeastern Burma have continued to suffer deeply as the military junta escalates its violence.
In just three months, 22 women lost their lives, 80 were injured, and 42 were arbitrarily arrested. The pain did not stop there—23 children were killed, and 32 others were seriously hurt, many during sudden artillery attacks and airstrikes in villages where no fighting was taking place. Download the full media release (PDF)
“These are not just numbers—they are mothers, daughters, sons, sisters. Families are being torn apart in places that should have been safe,” said Nai Aue Mon, Program Director at HURFOM. “It’s devastating to witness how much innocent people continue to suffer, especially women and children.”
The report shows that even when there are no clashes nearby, the junta still launches heavy weapons into civilian areas. Many victims were in their own homes or fields when the attacks happened—going about their daily lives when violence suddenly struck.
Despite the fear, women in HURFOM’s target areas—spanning Mon State, Karen State, and Tanintharyi Region—have bravely come forward to share their stories. Their voices are at the heart of this report, and their courage is a powerful reminder of the resilience of Burma’s communities.
“We hear from women who lost children, from young girls who watched their homes destroyed, from entire villages forced to run again and again,” said Mi Seik Non, HURFOM’s Assistant Coordinator. “Still, they speak up. Still, they hope for peace and justice.”
HURFOM is calling on the international community to do more—not just with words of concern, but with real, tangible support. This includes direct funding to local women-led efforts, stronger protections for displaced families, and serious steps toward holding the junta accountable for these crimes.
At a time when attention to Burma’s crisis is fading, the “Voice Up” report serves as a reminder: the suffering continues, but so does the resistance. And the voices of those most affected must be heard.
Contact Information:
Mi Seik Non, Assistant Coordinator
miseiknon222@gmail.com
+95 9 772 760 517
Nai Aue Mon, Program Director
auemon@rehmonnya.org
Signal: +66 86 167 9741