YANGON, MYANMAR (HRNW) — Human Rights Watch has documented allegations of torture, sexual violence and severe medical neglect affecting women held as political prisoners in Myanmar.
In a report published September 22, Human Rights Watch said former women prisoners and their families described beatings, rape, degrading prison conditions and denial of essential healthcare.
The organization said more than 30,000 people have been detained as political prisoners since the military coup of February 2021, including approximately 6,600 women and 640 children.
Human Rights Watch said pregnant women and mothers have faced particularly serious risks because of inadequate prenatal and obstetric care.
Former prisoners reportedly described situations in which women with serious medical conditions were denied timely treatment or access to appropriate healthcare.
The organization also documented allegations of sexual violence and physical abuse in detention.
Human Rights Watch said prison conditions reported by former detainees include overcrowding, inadequate food and sanitation problems.
The organization is calling for the immediate and unconditional release of women and children detained solely for exercising their rights to expression, association or peaceful political participation.
Human Rights Watch also urged authorities to investigate allegations of torture and sexual violence and ensure that victims can obtain effective remedies.
The report highlights the continuing risks faced by women detained in Myanmar as the military authorities maintain extensive restrictions on political activity.
Human Rights Watch said international actors should continue monitoring detention conditions and support efforts to document abuses.
The organization also called for accountability for officials responsible for torture and other serious violations.
The findings place women’s detention and access to healthcare among the continuing human-rights concerns surrounding Myanmar’s political crisis.
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Disclaimer
This article is based on Human Rights Watch interviews and research concerning women political prisoners in Myanmar. Allegations of torture, sexual violence, medical neglect and prison abuse are attributed to Human Rights Watch and the people it interviewed and have not been independently verified by HRNW.
