“16 Days of Activism” campaign limited to Thai-Burma border and NMSP controlled area

December 11, 2023

HURFOM: November 25 is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and from November 25 to December 10 marks “16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence”. In order to acknowledge these events, typically human rights activists organized very public campaign and education activities.

However, due to the Burmese political crisis, the “16 Days of Activism” can only take place in New Mon State Party (NMSP) controlled areas and the Thai-Burma border.

The Mon Women’s Organization (MWO), Mi Organization and the Human Rights Department of the Mon State Federal Council have leading roles in organizing the events.

“This year, “16 Days of Activism ” has been organized only in the Thai-Burma border and in the Kyikemayaw area which is controlled by the NMSP. We can’t organize the event publicly and freely but we don’t stop our activities,” said an organizer.

Before the attempted coup, “16 Days of Activism” was a very public and widespread event.

“Mi Organization leads the event in Mon State. We can’t organize the event publicly like last year, so we will have a shorter event,” said one of the organizers.

Since the attempted coup, human rights activists have either fled or kept a very low profile to avoid being arrested by junta officials. This has reduced the visibility of campaigns to challenge gender based violence.

According to the Association for the Assistance of Political Prisoners (AAPP) and the Department for Women, Youth and Children Affairs with the National Unity Government (NUG), the military junta has killed more than 600 women and nearly 400 children.

Written by HURFOM · Filed Under News