In areas controlled by the military junta, where the rule of law is absent, as well as in territories under the control of resistance forces and ethnic armed groups, the response to violence against women remains weak, according to activists working on women’s and children’s issues.
During this conflict period, when justice is largely inaccessible for women, ethnic minority women continue to face widespread sexual, psychological, and physical violence.
Since the beginning of the resistance movement, military matters have taken precedence in areas controlled by ethnic armed groups. As a result, it remains difficult to formally report cases of violence, and official action to address such cases has been minimal, said a women’s and children’s rights advocate working in southern Myanmar.
“Since the country is at war, there is no security for civilians. No one is addressing security issues. The judiciary, which is currently being restructured, does not even recognise these cases as important. They are focused solely on military matters, so cases of violence against women are neglected. That’s why these problems persist,” she said.
Because there is no firm legal framework in place to handle such cases effectively, women’s rights activists are often unable to provide adequate support for filing complaints or securing justice.
In Mon State National Authority-controlled areas, a member of a Mon women’s organisation called on responsible officials to take effective action on cases of domestic violence and sexual abuse experienced by Mon women.
“Since we sometimes become victims of unjust orders from officials at various levels, when they fail to clearly and decisively adjudicate cases, we face serious challenges. That is why we want them to take strong and effective measures,” she added.
According to a report by the Women’s League of Burma (WLB), from the military coup in February 2021 through May 2025, a total of 963 cases of sexual violence against women and girls have been recorded during the conflict.
To address such incidents, ethnic women’s groups in indigenous areas have been coordinating with their respective ethnic armed groups on legal proceedings. They have also maintained contact with the NUG’s Women’s Department, Defence Department, Interior Department, and Judicial Department to seek justice. However, these efforts have yet to result in strong enforcement or effective action.
