Pramila Patten

Myanmar has firmly denied allegations from the United Nations that conflict-related sexual violence has escalated in the country since the military coup of 2021.

The UN’s Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Pramila Patten, recently condemned what she described as widespread and brutal crimes committed by both the military and ethnic armed groups. In a press release earlier this month, she warned that sexual violence was being used as a weapon of war and a tool of repression.

In response, Myanmar’s National Committee for the Prevention and Response to Sexual Violence in Conflict issued a statement dismissing the claims as politically motivated.

Published in state media, the statement accused the UN of relying on “unverified information” and “one-sided allegations” from investigative bodies, insisting the accusations were designed to damage the country’s image.

The government stressed that the armed forces maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual violence and pledged that any offenders would face prosecution under existing laws. Officials also pointed to measures introduced in recent years, including a nationwide helpline launched in 2022 and the establishment of One-Stop Women’s Support Centres across the country.

Authorities reported receiving more than 2,300 cases of sexual violence between 2017 and January 2026, but emphasised that these were not linked to the ongoing conflict.

Since the military takeover nearly five years ago, Myanmar has been gripped by armed clashes that have displaced millions. The UN estimates around 3.5 million people have fled their homes, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence.

The sharp exchange highlights the deep mistrust between Myanmar’s military-led government and international bodies, as the country continues to face mounting pressure over human rights abuses and the humanitarian toll of its prolonged conflict.

-2026-02-23

Maybe she should concentrate on her own country's sexual abuse issues.