The Kayan Women's Organization (KyWO) has highlighted an alarming rise in incidents of sexual exploitation through deception targeting women in Karenni State, particularly noting an increase since the Military Council executed the coup.

"There is an obvious uptick of  luring women intosex exploitation through deception. Such cases are prevalent in the camps where war-displaced people seek shelter, as well as in ordinary villages. Also within the resistance forces, there are individuals who engage in such deception. The only discernible difference lies in whether the victims choose to speak out or remain silent”, an official of KyWO told Kantarawaddy Times.

The KyWO representative clarified that sexual exploitation through deception involves a scenario where a man and a woman agree to live together, but subsequently the man disappears or leaves without shouldering responsibility for the future. This conduct is seen as a breach of local customs.

She also noted an increasing prevalence of such deception, emphasizing that women who fall victim to such incidents often endure psychological and health repercussions.

Owing to the current unstable political and volatile military conditions in Karenni State, the weakened rule of law has led to a rise in gender-based violence and similar deceptive practices, with instances increasing each year, according to KyWO.

"Even if the victim desires to file a complaint in court, the prevailing political and military situation makes it extremely difficult as the courts lack legitimacy since the coup.. The lack of reliable security adds to the challenges. In light of the lax rule of law, wrongdoers carry out such acts more boldly”, the KyWO official added.

In 2023, KyWO received only 11 complaints of sexual exploitation through deception, though the actual number is likely much higher. The KyWO also said that none of the mentioned 11 reported incidents proceeded to court; instead, they were resolved through negotiations for compensations in accordance with local customs.