The Human Rights Foundation of Monland Releases Voice Up Volume 2, Issue 1

March 18, 2025

December 2024 – March 2025

For Immediate Release

As part of the Voice Up series, the Human Rights Foundation of Monland (HURFOM) has released its first report in the annual quarterly series, which addresses the gendered impacts of the attempted coup in Southeastern Burma. Between December 2024 and March 2025, in targeted areas of HURFOM, including Mon State, Karen State, and the Tanintharyi region, HURFOM reported that 16 women were killed, 43 were injured, and 21 were arrested and detained by the military. Additionally, nine children were killed and 23 wounded.

In addition, in HURFOM targeted areas, the junta has killed 203 women since the coup on 1 February 2021, along with 415 wounded women and 218 unlawfully detained. The military has also murdered 57 children and injured 105 others. The Burmese Army was the sole perpetrator of the crimes detailed in this report.

Among the key findings was the increased deployment of airstrikes by the regime, which resulted in women and children being indiscriminately attacked in their homes and temporary shelters, including camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs). The junta has relied on aerial assaults to offset their losses to the armed resistance movement. Ethnic revolutionary organizations (EROs) have achieved historic strategic gains in fighting for federalism, peace, and freedom.

In a series of retaliatory strikes, the junta is not targeting the opposition forces but rather the most vulnerable individuals with the least means to protect themselves. They are also heavily deploying drone attacks, which are yet another threat civilians face in their daily survival.

In Burma, women and the LGBTQI community suffer from both physical and psychological harassment due to numerous crises, such as forced conscription and constant attacks from the junta, including airstrikes. These conditions triggered a humanitarian crisis, leading thousands to flee the country. Those displaced include women human rights defenders, who remain at ongoing risk of being uprooted. There is also a direct link between these acts of gender-based violence and militarized areas in Burma.

This report comes less than two weeks after International Women’s Day, during which HURFOM called for the recognition of women’s contributions to advancing the federal democracy movement. Although many challenges persist in the country, the Spring Revolution cannot progress without the meaningful inclusion of women. Ensuring federalism is crucial for peace and equality, but the struggle must also fully recognize women’s contributions.

HURFOM urges the international community to provide further funding for women-led programs and to reinforce their ongoing demands for the military junta to be held accountable, ensuring an end to impunity and creating pathways for meaningful recourse.

Media Contact

Mi Seik Non, Assistant Coordinator
Email: miseiknon222@gmail.com
Signal: +95 9 772 760 517

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, Special Report