A/HRC/56/CRP.8
organizations and activists have severely diminished their capacity to support vulnerable
populations.
8.
The economic, social, and cultural rights of women, girls, and LGBT people have
deteriorated precipitously in the years since the coup. Women have been particularly
vulnerable to job loss in the weak post-coup economy and have disproportionately shouldered
the burdens of families facing displacement and limited access to food and other necessities.
In the face of these challenges, women and girls are increasingly adopting negative coping
strategies, including restricting food consumption, taking out loans, and pursuing risky
livelihood opportunities. The increasingly desperate conditions for many women and girls
have increased their vulnerability to violence, trafficking, early or forced marriage, and
sexual exploitation.
9.
Women, girls, and LGBT people have struggled to access appropriate health care
since the coup. Maternal, sexual, and reproductive health care, in particular, have been
severely disrupted. Conflict, deprivation, and human rights violations have left many women,
girls, and LGBT people struggling to overcome trauma and serious mental health challenges,
with little to no access to psychological care.
10.
Rohingya women, girls, and LGBT people face a unique set of challenges rooted in
the systematic denial of citizenship and basic human rights. Conservative beliefs within the
Rohingya community have also left Rohingya women and girls isolated and vulnerable to
exploitation and violence. Since the coup, increased restrictions on movement and
humanitarian aid have made a horrible situation even worse. Escalating armed conflict in
Rakhine State has raised concerns about a repeat of the mass sexual violence that occurred
in 2017 and other waves of violence against the Rohingya. In Bangladesh, Rohingya women
and girls face similar concerns, compounded by severe deprivation and a spiraling security
situation in refugee camps. The conditions in Myanmar and Bangladesh are pushing many
Rohingya to risk their lives at sea or take dangerous overland journeys to seek safety and
shelter elsewhere in the region. Rohingya women and girls making these trips are vulnerable
to sexual violence, exploitation by traffickers, and early or forced marriage, among other
risks.
11.
The damage done to the rights of women, girls, and LGBT people over the past three
years has been immense. However, women and gender diverse people are assuming
leadership positions within the revolutionary movement, seizing a historic opportunity to
challenge patriarchal beliefs and power structures. They have been at the forefront of efforts
to topple the SAC and build a federal, democratic Myanmar, leading public protests and civil
disobedience actions. Women and LGBT people have joined armed resistance groups,
breaking barriers and challenging traditional norms. Women-led civil society organizations
have been the backbone of local humanitarian relief efforts.
12.
The courage, resilience, and tenacity of women and LGBT people is making a critical
difference to the revolutionary movement, underscoring their place as key participants in
discussions about the future of Myanmar. They are actively engaged in revolutionary political
structures and are advocating for reforms to protect women’s and LGBT rights, refusing to
be silenced or to allow gender issues to be sidelined in favor of other political priorities. A
woman human rights defender said:
Nowadays women are involved in two fights, not only against dictatorship but also
against the patriarchy and male domination.
13.
Too often, Myanmar’s courageous women and LGBT leaders have been left to carry
on this fight without the support they need and deserve from the international community.
The UN Security Council has refused to refer the situation in Myanmar to the International
Criminal Court, helping to entrench impunity for sexual violence and other serious
international crimes. UN agencies, humanitarian organizations, and donors have failed to
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