An investigation performed by Refugees International earlier this year has found that Burma’s soldiers are “systematically using rape as a weapon of war”. Hundreds of women from five different ethnic minority groups have reported being victimized. Women have been raped while being used as forced labor for the military, while farming, in their homes, and while trying to escape to Thailand. Many of the rapes occur in villages close to military bases. The rapes appear to be authorized although the government denies that rape is tolerated and says any member of the military committing such crimes receives harsh punishment. Yet Refugees International does not know of any rape case punished through military tribunals. The United States State Department investigated the reports and found them credible, and the crimes detailed in them “appalling”.
Related Links:
"Kachin women slam Burmese army for using rape as a weapon of war"
