The body of a seven year-old girl was found near her home in a village in northern Karen State, Burma, on 27 December.
According to the Karen Women's Organisation (KWO), she had been raped and shot dead. Villagers in Ma Oo Bin, Kyauk Kyi Township, Nyaunglebin District are reported to have seen a soldier from SPDC Light Infantry (LI) 350 enter the village shortly beforehand, and then heard sounds of a girl crying out for help, followed by rifle shots.
The girl's parents and village leaders reported the case the following day to Captain Thet Khaing, the local Commanding officer. However, despite eye witness accounts no action has been taken. The KWO has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the perpetrator, and for action to be taken against the Commanding Officer for failing to act.
Christian Solidarity Worldwide's National Director Stuart Windsor said: "Rape is systematic and widespread, used as a weapon of war by the Burma Army throughout the country. This latest tragic case is an example of the culture of impunity reigning throughout the military regime. We strongly support the KWO's call for the arrest and prosecution of those guilty of the murder and rape of this young child. We believe the regime in Burma is guilty of a wide range of crimes against humanity which should be investigated and brought before the International Criminal Court".
Notes to Editors:
- CSW launched a joint campaign with Partners Relief and Development last year, to highlight human rights violations in Burma. The Change for Burma! campaign includes calls for a case to be brought to the International Criminal Court. Details can be found on www.changeforburma.org
- For further information about the Karen Women's Organisation, see www.karenwomen.org.