Family members accept monetary compensation for child rape: Rule of law abandoned

January 25, 2024

HURFOM: According to civil society organizations (CSO) providing support to women and children, In Mon and Karen States, justice is no longer being served.

Since the attempted coup, child rape cases have increased in Mon and Karen States but nearly none have been reported to the police or brought to the courts.

Family members of child rape victims have not gone to the court to find justice, rather they have accepted monetary compensation from the rapists under the presence and pressure of village/ward Administrator and police officials.

“Mi” organization and other CSO’s in Mon and Karen State documented more than 100 child rape cases in 2023. However only 40 were reported to the “Mi” organization in order to seek help from them.

“Some victims did not go to the CSO for help – instead they secretly dissolved the case with the village/ward Administrators and the police officials. That kind of thing is happening a lot,” said an official from “Mi” organization.

The CSO is facing many challenges to provide services about sexual assault to grassroots communities, due to security concerns and other restrictions imposed by the junta.

“The military has pressured us to register our organization. They’ve even threatened the safety of our members. So, we’re unable to provide support to the victims of child rape cases. We’ve had many challenges due to the political condition,” said a member of a CSO.

When the victims of child rape cases filed reports to police stations, the authorities do not handle the cases in accordance with legal procedures. Instead, they pressure the families to accept monetary compensation from the rapists.

Child rape cases in 2023 involve children between the ages of 7-12.

“These younger children can’t get pregnant but if the victim is 13, she can get pregnant from being raped. In these cases, the victims don’t want to take care of a baby. Then, we have to find a family who wants to adopt the baby,” said an official from “Mi” organization.

“Mi” organization has provided women and children with legal aid, monetary and material support and vocational training but now, the organization faces many challenges to provide their services due to threats and restrictions from the military junta.

Written by HURFOM · Filed Under News