Burma/Myanmar is home to the world’s longest-running armed conflicts. The current peace process between the central government and minority ethnic armies is historical, and peace a prerequisite for a successful democratic transition. Yet fighting continues, with serious consequences for civilian populations; since 2011 more than 100 000 people have fled their homes in Kachin and Shan States.
Ethnic minority women are hit hard by the protracted conflicts. The Women’s League of Burma’s latest report documents the use of rape and sexual violence by the government army in the country’s border areas since the reform process began in 2011. While the soldiers enjoy impunity for these alleged crimes, an increasing number of displaced women are being trafficked into China.
Still, women are barred from active participation in the peace process. Sweden’s development cooperation with Burma/Myanmar seeks to support women’s participation in the peace process. How can this be achieved, and how can the use of sexual violence in Burma’s conflict be abolished?
Speakers
Tin Tin Nyo, Secretary-General of the Women’s League of Burma (WLB)
Margot Wallström, the former Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict
Jenny Hedström, Program Officer Democracy and Diversity, IDEA. Author of the Swedish Burma Committee’s report Where are the Women? Negotiations for Peace in Burma (2013)
Thwel Zin Toe, Burmese Women’s Union (BWU)
Organisers
The Dag Hammarskjöld Foundation
Olof Palme International Center
Registration
Please confirm your participation to info@burmakommitten.org by August 31st as seats are limited.
Breakfast sandwich served 8:30.