Statement by Ta’ang Civil Society Organization on the torture and killing of six women prisoners of war by the Burmese Tatmadaw

Statement by Ta’ang Civil Society Organization on the torture and killing of six women prisoners of war by the Burmese Tatmadaw

July 20,2018

1. Six nurses from the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) were arrested and detained at around 1:30 pm on 11 June, 2018 at Awe Law village, Khone Nyaung tract, Mantong township by the Burmese Tatmadaw’s Light Infantry Battalion 301, under Light Infantry Division 88. On 14 July, 2018, we, TWO, TLA and TSYU, were informed that the six women were brutally tortured and killed.We are extremely saddened by this incident, and extend our deepest condolences to their families. We strongly condemn the Burmese Tatmadaw for these killings.
2. After the villagers found the dead bodies of the women, they reported that the women were without clothes and had been raped. They had many wounds on their bodies, and had been tortured with different kinds of weapons. This clearly constitutes a war crime. According to UN Security Council Resolution 1325, Section 11, the State must prosecute those responsible for war crimes, including sexual violence against women and girls.
3. The Tatmadaw’s inhumane treatment of these prisoners of war also violated Common Article of the Geneva Conventions and Protocol II.
4. This incident undermines trust-building among Ta’ang and other local people in the government’s peace and national reconciliation process.

 

5. We, TWO, TLA and TSYU, strongly urge the Burmese Government and Tatmadaw to investigate this case transparently and bring the perpetrators to justice.

 

1. Ta’ang Students and Youth Union – TSYU
   2. Ta’ang Legal Aid – TLA
   3. Ta’ang Women’s Organization – TWO