On behalf of "Shan" women, an ethnic group in Myanmar (Burma), I would like to draw attention to
violent situations faced by Shan women.
Despite the recent election in Myanmar (Burma), minority women's lives are still being threatened in all
ethnic areas. In Shan states, systematic rape by the military toward women and girls is consistently
reported. 4 Many of them are also tortured, killed or endure forced labor and have no access to justice
as a result of the army's complete impunity.
The Draft Recommendation number 14 (access to justice), 26 (accountability of those guilty), 28
(eliminate all form of traffick ing) and 29 (eradication of slavery and other forms) must be urgently
implemented, as well as a ceasefire and legal equality of all ethnic groups. The International community
cannot concentrate only on Myanmar's political change while ignoring the context of ethnic conflict.
Madame Chair,
Minority women's participation in all public areas and decision making must be supported. But we must
take note of the special case of minority women in conflict are vulnerable in their very fundamental
right, a right to life, which should be prioritized to fully guarantee their enjoyment of other rights.
Thank you
4
Rape cases in Shan State are periodically documented by Shan Human Rights Foundation and
Shan Women's
Action Network.