SWAN’s new report reveals widespread sexual and gender-based violence and accountability gaps in Shan State

Shan Women’s Action Network (SWAN) released a new report on 30 July entitled “Justice Denied in the Face of Violence: Sexual and Gender-Based Violence and Access to Justice,” documenting alarming patterns of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and the persistent failure of justice systems to protect survivors in Shan State, Burma/Myanmar. The report also reveals how armed conflict and displacement have intensified women’s vulnerability to violence while further weakening already fragile justice systems. Key findings include: 172 SGBV cases documented across Shan State by SWAN data collectors. 89 domestic and intimate partner violence cases (51.7%), most of which were perpetrated by husbands or boyfriends and compounded by substance abuse. 70 rape and attempted rape cases, including 30 child survivors under the age of 18, with the youngest survivor being just three years old. 15% of perpetrators were members of armed actors, including the Burma/Myanmar military junta and Ethnic Resistance Organizations (EROs). Severe vulnerabilities and fatalities: At least 12 survivors were persons with mental or physical disabilities. Seven cases resulted in homicide, while seven others involved suicide or attempted suicide. “The findings show that violence against women and girls continues to be a serious and pervasive human rights crisis in Shan State,” said Hseng, SWAN’s Empowerment Coordinator. “Survivors face not only the trauma of violence itself but also immense barriers to obtaining justice, safety, and support.” The report finds systemic barriers to accessing justice, with only around half of the 172 documented cases having a recorded resolution or action. More than 70% of survivors initially reported their cases to village leaders, who often dismissed domestic abuse as a “private family matter” or imposed forced marriages or financial compensation in place of justice and survivor protection. Survivors of SGBV committed by members of the military junta or Ethnic Resistance Organizations also faced heightened risks of intimidation, cover-ups, and impunity. SWAN calls on Ethnic Resistance Organizations (EROs), local authorities, and all justice actors to strengthen survivor-centred responses to sexual and gender-based violence by ensuring accountability for perpetrators, guaranteeing survivors’ access to justice and comprehensive support services, and addressing harmful gender norms that perpetuate violence. SWAN also calls on the international community to strengthen targeted sanctions and enforce a comprehensive global arms embargo against the Burma/Myanmar military junta; support international accountability mechanisms, including the UN Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM) and efforts toward International Criminal Court (ICC) accountability; and uphold the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda through sustained support for local women-led organizations. “Without ending violence against women and ensuring meaningful access to justice for survivors, there can be no lasting peace in Burma,” said Nang Kham Awn, SWAN Coordinator. The post SWAN’s new report reveals widespread sexual and gender-based violence and accountability gaps in Shan State appeared first on ENG.MIZZIMA.COM.