Experiences

Recommendations
82
Based on our in-depth discussions with these 29 women survivors of violence related
to the Kachin and Karen conflicts and women former political prisoners, we urge the
Myanmar government, policy makers, ethnic leaders, and civil society to fulfill the following
recommendations:
• Immediately put an end to violence against women during conflict and political repression, in
particular sexual violence against women
• Change the 2008 Constitution in order to place the military under civilian control
• Ensure that Myanmar ratifies relevant international treaties and incorporates them into its
domestic legislation, meets its obligations to protect women under CEDAW, UNSCR 1325, and
1820, and the Declaration of Commitment to End Sexual Violence in Conflict, and adopts the
Anti-Violence Against Women Law
• Ensure women’s meaningful participation in the peace process and political dialogue, and
include accountability for past human rights violations in discussions
• Establish effective judicial and non-judicial transitional justice mechanisms to investigate
human rights abuses, particularly those related to sexual violence against women, and
establish programs to enable women victims’ safe access to justice
• Create the conditions for the safe and dignified voluntary return of all conflict-affected
displaced women and refugees to their communities, in consultation with them.
• Establish rehabilitation programs for women survivors, in particular multi-sectoral services
that include healthcare, trauma support, reproductive healthcare, and assistance for aging
populations, as well as access to capital through appropriate schemes for job creation, skills
training, and microfinance
• Support women survivors’ networks and linkages between them. Include them in
consultations and meetings on peace, development, human rights, access to justice, and
other relevant forums.