A coalition of organizations advocating for women’s rights and LGBTQIA+ issues has released a set of recommendations addressing gender, women, peace and security in Myanmar. The statement was issued on March 20.
The recommendations urge the National Unity Government (NUG), the Ministry of Human Rights, ethnic resistance organizations, international bodies, and ASEAN to strengthen cooperation in addressing gender-based issues and ensuring women’s security in conflict situations.
The statement calls on the NUG and regional administrations to integrate gender, women’s rights, and security policies into governance, implement capacity-building programs, and establish a complaint mechanism to address gender-based violence and sexual violence linked to conflict during the transitional justice period. It also highlights the need for collective efforts to implement necessary reforms.
Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for conflict-related sexual violence, fostering regular consultations between local organizations and women’s rights advocates, and ensuring meaningful participation of women in decision-making processes. The recommendations also urge ethnic resistance organizations to incorporate gender equality in humanitarian responses.
The statement further calls on ASEAN and international organizations to listen to the voices of women and marginalized communities and enhance support programs for them.
These recommendations are based on discussions held in Chiang Mai, Thailand, between January and February, involving 40 organizations advocating for women’s rights and LGBTQIA+ issues.
Groups such as Myanmar Women, Peace and Security (M-WPS) and the Gender Equality Network participated in these consultations. The discussions focused on amplifying the voices of women, gender-diverse individuals, and persons with disabilities affected by prolonged conflict and violence. The groups also documented their resistance against military dictatorship, their fight for democracy, and their efforts to protect human rights.
