The Women’s League of Burma (WLB) says the military is using sexual violence as a weapon in areas currently affected by armed conflict.
According to a February 1, 2026 WLB statement, a total of 209 cases of sexual and gender-based violence were documented across Myanmar in 2025.
Based on data collected by the Women’s League of Burma (Myanmar), the majority of these sexual and gender-based violence cases were perpetrated by the military. Mi Nge, a Policy Lead Member of WLB said, “If we look at which groups are committing the most violations under the current circumstances, it is clearly the military. Our data shows that the military is committing the majority of these abuses—gang rape, rape carried out by groups, and the use of rape as a weapon of war during military offensives. From the information we have collected, it is evident that most of these crimes are being committed by the military.”
She added that the military is deliberately targeting women and children, and that sexual violence has worsened over the five years since the coup, particularly in Sagaing Region, northern Shan State, Rakhine State, Kayah (Karenni) State, and Kachin State.
The statement also noted that in 2025, WLB was able to provide assistance and support to 1,212 women survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, including conflict-related sexual violence.
WLB reported that it supported 108 women involved in the nonviolent civil disobedience movement and a total of 310 women human rights defenders.
Mi Nge further explained that under the 2008 Constitution, it is difficult to hold the military accountable for sexual violence, as military perpetrators are not subject to prosecution in civilian courts.
“Because the 2008 Constitution provides protection to the military, and because fighting on the ground is currently very intense, accountability mechanisms are extremely distant. As we know, the Constitution shields them, so our ability to pursue justice is very limited—one could even say it is impossible. Under the current situation, where the public and the military operate entirely separately, –accountability and punishment are extremely rare,” she said.
Although perpetrators of sexual violence cannot yet be held accountable domestically, WLB said it continues to apply pressure by engaging with international organizations, the United Nations, ASEAN, and the diplomatic community.
The Women’s League of Burma stated that it will continue working to dismantle oppressive systems, challenge military domination and patriarchal structures, and ensure women’s rightful and just participation in political processes, peacebuilding, and broader social transformation.
