Attempted rape victim denied justice

July 12, 2022

HURFOM: On the last day of Burma Songkran (April 16), 2021, a 12-year-old girl from Han Gan village, Ye Township, Mon State on her way back from the festival of the Kyaik Mem Plog Pagoda suffered an attempted rape.

Separated from her mother, in the crowds, a man with tattoos had dragged her away from the festival, and tried to rape the child in a deserted spot. She shouted for help and the man hit her on the head with a stone and then ran away.

“After the incident, we went to the Administrator of Koe Mile village (the nearest village) and made a report. The Administrator said “Just treat the injury of the child first and we can discuss later.” It has been more than a year now since the incident and he has done nothing,” said the mother.

The child is suffering from a head injury and has been waiting for surgery.

“I am not satisfied with the situation. Both the Han Gan and Koe Mile village Administrators have not made any attempt to investigate the case or arrest the abuser,” continued the mother.

The Han Gan village Administrator claims that although the “Han Gan village organized the festival, the incident took place nearby Ko Mile village. What can I do? If the incident took place nearby Ko Mile, Ko, then their Administrator must take responsibility for it.”

Incidents such as this have become even more common since the February 2021 military led coup. As the rule of law continues to break down across the country, many women and child rule are being left without legal protections.

“The unsettled politics in the country stops me from chasing after this case. I want to request help from organizations that help women and children but I know nothing about them,” said the mother.

Written by Modinator · Filed Under News