Human Rights Watch reports widespread torture of women political prisoners in Myanmar

Human Rights Watch has released a report documenting that women held as political prisoners in Myanmar endure torture, sexual violence and severely inadequate medical care under the country's military junta, which has maintained control for more than five years since taking power in February 2021. The organisation estimates that more than 6,600 women and 640 children are among the over 30,000 political prisoners detained across Myanmar since the coup.

These findings contribute to extensive documentation of abuses committed by Myanmar's military government since it removed the civilian administration of Aung San Suu Kyi from power, an action that triggered nationwide protests and armed resistance. The resulting conflict has evolved into a broader civil war involving various ethnic armed organisations. The United Nations and international rights groups have consistently accused the military of war crimes and crimes against humanity throughout the ongoing conflict.