Strong Objection: Myanmar's response to UN statement

National Committee for the Prevention and Response to Sexual Violence in Conflict issued a statement on Saturday.

It stated that the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence In Conflict issued a press release on 2 February 2026, entitled "UN Special Representative Pramila Patten Calls for Accountability as Sexual Violence continues Five Years After Myanmar Military Seized Power".

The Government of Myanmar, as a member of the United Nations, reaffirms its commitment and ongoing efforts to comply with international standards for the prevention of sexual violence in conflict. Myanmar society has a long-standing historical tradition and culture that rejects sexual violence in all its forms. Building on this foundation, the government is taking legal action to protect everyone, including women, men and LGBTQI+, from sexual violence.

The Tatmadaw and security forces have adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards any offence, including sexual violence, and all perpetrators will be prosecuted under the existing law.

In parallel with these legal measures, Myanmar has been continuously Implementing national-level initiatives, including the formation of committees, the implementation of prevention and response measures for sexual violence, and awareness-raising activities.

A National Committee, led by the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement, was established in 2019 to prevent and respond to sexual violence in conflict. Sectoral national-level action plans are implemented annually. Furthermore, the Myanmar National Committee on Women, as well as regional, state, district, and township women's committees, have been formed to carry out women's development activities at the local level. As a national-level reporting mechanism to prevent sexual violence, a 4-digit (1556) helpline service, operating 24/7, was launched on 25 October 2022. From 2017 to January 2026, over 2,300 cases of sexual violence which are not conflict-related, have been received and investigated, with legal actions being taken.

Additionally, One Stop Women Support Centres (OSWSCs) have been operated across regions and states to provide comprehensive services and support to women who have experienced violence. Regarding the awareness-raising, talks, shows, and awareness sessions on the laws of war under the four Geneva Conventions and the protection of civilians, and the prevention of sexual violence have been conducted for officials from the Tatmadaw, Myanmar Police Force, and relevant ministries. Awareness initiatives on women's legal rights under the Penal Code, law relating to violence against women, and the prevention of sexual violence in conflict are carried out in regions and states.

They are continuously broadcast nationwide through state-owned media. The aforementioned actions reflect sustained efforts undertaken by successive governments and constitute clear evidence of Myanmar's commitment to combating sexual violence.

Nevertheless, the UN statement contains unverified information and relies on one-sided allegations from mechanisms such as the so-called Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM). This appears to be politically motivated pressure intended to damage the State's prestige and image.

Therefore, Myanmar strongly objects and firmly rejects this statement. Myanmar remains committed to exerting its utmost efforts to safeguard the rights and safety of women and other vulnerable groups. Accordingly, Myanmar strongly urges the United Nations to issue only credible statements and to adopt a constructive approach towards member states.