A new report, based on extensive research in 7 refugee camps on the Thai Burma border, shows that perpetrators of sexual and physical violence against women in the refugee camps are facing a situation of virtual impunity.

Julia Marip, Secretary of the Women’s League of Burma (WLB) commented on the report results, “I was really shocked to see that the culture of impunity that prevails in Burma, also seems to be the case in the refugee camps. I had assumed that with international actors like UNHCR and IRC/LAC being present there that the situation would be considerably better.”

The report, which is launched on the 25 th November to coincide with the International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women, is a result of research that analysed 289 cases of sexual and gender based violence (SGBV) in the 7 camps which took place between 2011 and 2013. The report found that in 6 of the 7 camps, the justice system provided inadequate justice outcomes for 80% of the cases.

“The camps have been in existence for more than 25 years, we have complex systems for managing our communities. It is simply not good enough that justice, especially for women, has been so neglected”, said Naw K’nyaw Paw, Secretary of the Karen Women’s Organization.

The report found that there were a number of reasons for the lack of proper justice, including a lack of a set of clear and comprehensive camp rules and penalties, and procedures, and a lack of resources and support for implementers of camp justice and camp security. The inadequate Justice Outcomes presented in the report do not help heal the wounds caused by violence, but rather are like salt in the wound, and prolong the pain experienced by the victim.

“We know that the justice system in the camps is weak. We hope that this report can be used to address the underlying problems with it, so that we can work towards having a more just community, both here and for the time of return in Burma. Improving justice in the camps must be seen as a key component in preparing refugees for return,” said Naw Blooming Night Zan, Joint Secretary of the Karen Refugee Committee (KRC).