Border News Agency
Kyauktaw, August 26
Sexual acts against girls under the age of 16 are classified as child rape, whether or not the child agrees to the sexual activity, according to legal awareness discussions by the Arakan People’s Revolutionary Government.
The discussions state that child rape includes sexual abuse of children under 12. It also includes sexual acts against girls under 16, regardless of whether they consent. Such acts are considered serious crimes.
Daw Hla Mya Khaing, an official from the central office of the Arakan People’s Revolutionary Government, said, “In ASEAN countries and internationally, sexual acts against a girl under 16 are considered child rape, whether she agrees or not. Excessive use of drugs and alcohol, as well as watching pornographic content on social media, can affect a person’s normal judgment and may increase the risk of committing such crimes.”
According to the information provided, 93 percent of perpetrators are family members, relatives, or people close to the child, while about 7 percent are complete strangers.
Therefore, parents and guardians are urged to teach children that no one has the right to touch their private body parts. Children should also be encouraged to report any inappropriate touching or sexual abuse immediately.
Daw Hla Mya Khaing said, “Even if the perpetrator threatens the child and tells them not to tell anyone, families should build trust at home so that children feel confident enough to tell their parents. If an incident happens, families should not hide it because they are worried about losing their reputation. If they hide the crime, the perpetrator may have a chance to abuse other children. Therefore, I urge families to report such cases and take action.”
The Arakan People’s Revolutionary Government says that, in addition to awareness programs to prevent child rape, it has opened special courts since August and is taking serious legal action against offenders, with punishments ranging from 10 years in prison to life imprisonment.
