Weekly Analysis: Sexual Violence in Burma Demands an Urgent Response to Ensure Women’s Safety and Protection

October 6, 2025

The Human Rights Foundation of Monland (HURFOM) has confirmed another appalling case of sexual violence committed by junta troops in Bokpyin Township, Myeik District, where a young woman was repeatedly raped after being arrested. On September 20, soldiers from Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) 358 forced two married women from Sakan Thar Village (locally known as Yae Bet Village), under Htawng Sone Ma Hek village tract, to accompany them as guides. The troops were camped nearby in Bodaw Village.

According to residents, the soldiers beat one of the women, aged around 30, before releasing her. The other, a 20-year-old woman whose husband was not at home, was taken away and raped multiple times.

“They took her away deliberately. This was intentional — they wanted to commit sexual violence. She was violated again and again,” said one villager who asked not to be named.

The perpetrators belong to LIB 358, a battalion notorious in Bokpyin Township for its abuses against civilians. Local people said soldiers frequently burn down houses, loot property from families who have fled, and destroy homes and belongings with impunity.

This case is part of a more exhaustive and systematic pattern of sexual violence used by the junta as a weapon of war. Women and girls across Mon State, Karen State and the Tanintharyi Region have endured rape, sexual assault, and harassment at the hands of soldiers. Survivors are left traumatized, families are silenced in fear, and communities live under constant threat.

Last week, HURFOM released the third issue of our quarterly series, Voice Up, which documents cases of gender-based violence while also highlighting the ongoing resistance and resilience of women-led organizations in advocating for their protection and continuing their long-standing calls to end military impunity. The use of sexual violence as a weapon violates both domestic and international laws, including the Geneva Conventions. Yet, under military rule, survivors are denied justice, while perpetrators act with complete impunity.

HURFOM continues to call attention to these crimes, which target women simply because of their vulnerability in conflict zones. Protecting women’s rights and dignity must be at the forefront of any response to the ongoing crisis in Burma.

Overview of Main Cases

· Military Officers Embedded in Civilian Committees as Junta Tightens Control in Mon State

In Mon State, the junta has tightened its grip on civilian life by embedding military officers into township administration and management committees as part of its preparations for a sham election. Officers at the rank of Major are no longer just sitting as representatives, but are also taking leadership positions across key departments.

· Junta Forces Torch Minn Pyin Village, Palaw Township Tanintharyi Region

On the evening of September 28, Junta troops launched an assault on Minn Pyin Village, Palaw Township, setting homes ablaze as terrified residents fled for safety. According to HURFOM’s field network, the raid began shortly after 8:00 PM when the junta forces advanced into the community and deliberately torched houses. “The whole village has been forced to flee for a while now. Then, they started burning homes. We cannot confirm if anyone has been detained or hurt,” said a local resident.

· Dawei Residents Forced to Take Part in Junta’s Electronic Test Voting

In Dawei, the military junta is pressing ahead with its planned election by forcing local people to participate in “practical test votes” using newly introduced electronic voting machines.

On the afternoon of September 24, residents from Oh Lote, Pain Nel Taw, San Chi, and nearby wards were ordered to gather at San Chi Monastery. There, they were compelled to cast mock ballots as the junta’s election commission demonstrated how to operate the machines.

· Mawlamyine Residents Abducted for Forced Conscription by Junta Forces

In Mawlamyine, Mon State, ten local men were forcibly arrested and taken for military conscription as part of the junta’s 18th batch of the People’s Military Service training course. The arrests occurred on the evening of September 23, near the traditional hospital, located between Myain Tharyar Ward and Phak Khin Ward.

Witnesses reported that junta soldiers surrounded the area around 6:30 PM detained the men, and drove them away in a black private car to the Southeastern Military Command. This latest round of forced conscription is part of a broader campaign in Mawlamyine Township.