EU Urges Probe of Sexual Violence in 3 States

The appeal was issued as the world marked the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict.

“This year has seen further reports of sexual violence in the conflicts in Kachin, northern Shan and Rakhine. We call upon the Myanmar government to investigate these reports and ensure accountability,” the EU said in a statement.

“The effects of conflict-related sexual violence echo across communities and generations, through trauma, stigma, poverty, poor health and unwanted pregnancy,” it said. “It is the responsibility of all countries to support and assist survivors and to hold perpetrators to account.”

Fighting has escalated between the Tatmadaw (military) and the ethnic Kachin Independence Army since April this year, forcing thousands of people to flee their homes.

In northern Shan, fighting has worsened after the ethnic Ta’ang National Liberation Army attacked the border town of Muse last month, triggering military retaliation.

The military has been accused of human rights abuses, including sexual violence, against Muslim women in northern Rakhine since clashes in the area erupted in August last year, forcing an estimated 700,000 people from the area to flee to neighbouring Bangladesh.

The Myanmar military is currently engaged in armed conflict with several ethnic groups in the country that are fighting for independence or more autonomy.

The EU said the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding by the government, the United Nations Development Programme and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees “is an important and necessary step to create conditions for the safe, voluntary and dignified return of refugees.”

It said its member states expect the government to provide the UN and other local and international partners with “unfettered access to Rakhine without delay.”

“The refugees in Bangladesh need complete transparency to make informed decisions about their voluntary return. The EU also reaffirms its support for the full implementation of the recommendations outlined in the final report of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State.”

The 28-member union also backed the decision of President U Win Myint to set up an independent commission to investigate alleged violations in northern Rakhine.

It described the move “as  a promising step, which should contribute to ensuring accountability for all human rights abuses committed in the state.”