04/04/2003

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Refugees International Releases Report
Documenting Rape by Burma's Army Against Ethnic Women

(Washington DC, April 3, 2003)- Burma's army is using rape as a weapon of war against women from Burma's numerous ethnic groups. Recent international attention on rape by the army has focused on abuses against Shan women. But following a research mission by Refugees International (RI) to the Thai-Burmese border, RI was able to confirm that rape is widespread, affecting women from numerous ethnic groups. In its report titled No Safe Place: Burma's Army and the Rape of Ethnic Women, RI documented 43 rapes among women from the Karen, Karenni, Mon, Tavoyan and Shan ethnicities. Seventy-five percent of women interviewed in RI focus groups reported knowing someone who had been raped. In nearly one third of the cases, rapes were committed by higher-ranking officers, and in only two cases were any punishments given, these extremely weak. These statistics indicate that there is a permissive attitude towards rape by those overseeing lower ranking soldiers.

Although Burma's State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) has denied allegations that its military uses rape as a weapon of war, any admissions of rape have been attributed to rogue elements or the occasional unruly soldier. RI's report disputes this. “Rape is widespread and committed with impunity, both by officers and lower ranking soldiers. The culture of impunity contributes to an atmosphere in which rape is permissible,” said Veronika Martin, advocate for RI. The report goes on to suggest that rape is not only widespread, but also systematic in nature. “Due to the lack of punishment to perpetrators, it leads to the conclusion that the system for protecting civilians is faulty, which in turn suggests the rape is systematic,” explained Betsy Apple, a human rights lawyer who worked as a consultant for RI.

This report is the first to look at the issue of rape across ethnic boundaries. It examines the SPDC's responsibility under international law and whether rape by Burma's army constitutes War Crimes or other gross violations. The report further emphasizes that rapes are not a deviation, committed by rebel soldiers; they are a pattern of brutal abuse designed to control, terrorize and harm ethnic nationality populations though their women.

The 80-page report, which includes photos and powerful quotes from victims and witnesses to rape, was co-authored by Betsy Apple and Veronika Martin, both of whom have extensive backgrounds working with Burmese women in Thailand. Ms. Apple has conducted previous research on rape by Burma's military as the director of the Women's Rights Project for EarthRights International. Ms. Martin has spent six years working with Burmese refugees in a humanitarian and human rights capacity prior to joining RI.

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Refugees International generates lifesaving humanitarian assistance and protection for displaced people around the world, and works to end the conditions that create displacement. RI does not accept any government or UN funding.

The hard copy can be ordered ONLINE or by contacting the RI office at the information given below. The cost for the report is US$8.00, but it can also be DOWNLOADED for free. Proceeds from the sale of this book will be used for RI's work on Burma issues.

Refugees International
1705 N Street NW
Washington, DC, 20036
(202) 828-0110 (Phone)
(202) 828-0819 (Fax)
ri@refugeesinternational.org (email)