Despite a temporary ceasefire declared in April in response to the March 28 earthquake, at least 71 women were killed and more than 50 others injured across Myanmar due to continued airstrikes and acts of violence perpetrated by the military junta, according to a statement released on May 7 by the Burmese Women’s Union (BWU).
The report indicates that the junta’s forces have continued to commit widespread human rights violations, including gender-based violence, despite public calls for de-escalation. Women, including teenage girls, have increasingly become victims of the ongoing conflict.
Of the 71 fatalities recorded in April, 59 women were killed in aerial attacks, seven by artillery shelling, and five were executed. Among the dead were 13 girls under the age of 18, the BWU stated. In addition, 50 women sustained injuries during the same period.
Sagaing Region recorded the highest number of female fatalities, with 30 deaths, followed by 14 in Mandalay Region, five in Bago Region, and two in Mon State. Additional deaths were reported in Chin, Rakhine, Karen, and Kayah states.
A BWU spokesperson attributed the ongoing violence to a lack of justice, weak rule of law, and the absence of effective protection policies for women.
“If we remain silent about these atrocities, women will be left increasingly unprotected. Even now, despite the efforts to speak out, the violence is not declining, it is growing. Failing to address these issues will only push us further from justice and accountability,” the spokesperson said.
The BWU also noted that while the published figures are based on verified reports, the actual death toll could be higher due to challenges in accessing accurate ground-level data.
Following the devastating earthquake in late March, the military junta and resistance forces announced a temporary ceasefire to facilitate emergency response efforts. However, the BWU emphasised that the military has continued targeting civilians, with women and girls among the daily casualties.
Additionally, the junta extended the ceasefire period from May 6 to May 31, as reported by state-owned media.
