Report on the Use of Rape as a Weapon of War in Burma

By Info Birmanie and Swedish Burma Committee • March 8, 2012

On the occasion of the International Women’s Day, the Burma support groups Info Birmanie (France) and the Swedish Burma Committee (Sweden) release a report on the Use of Rape as a Weapon of War in Burma.

Based on the large array of reports and testimonies collected by Burmese Women’s organisations, this report looks into the meaning of the phrase “rape as a weapon of war” and how it is used in Burma. It also presents a list of mechanisms that can be used by the national and international authorities to fight impunity and put an end to such atrocities.

“At a time when the world is thrilled by the opening up of the political process in Burma, this report sheds light on the fate of hundreds or thousands of girls and women in the country. If the Burmese authorities are serious about national reconciliation, they cannot let their soldiers massively and systematically rape women in all impunity.” says Marie from Info Birmanie.

According to Karin Vatersson: “The use of rape as a weapon of war in Burma has gone widely unnoticed by the international community and the women involved have got no justice or recognition to date. It is high time that the ruling regime in Burma is put under pressure to end practices of sexual violence and rape in war, and to make sure that those involved are held accountable for their actions.”

Press contacts:
Marie Battini – Info Birmanie, [email protected], Tel: +33 (0)6 16 03 51 09 (French / English);
Karin Valtersson – Swedish Burma Committee, [email protected], Tel : +46 (0)70 615 61 62, (Swedish / English);

View the report here.