Naw Htoo Htoo, program director at the Karen Human Rights Group, voiced her concerns and explained to Karen News why the killing of Mohibullah has highlighted the lack of protection for human rights defenders. “We support the call for investigation into the assassination of Mohibullah and at the same time call for justice brought to his case.” Naw Htoo Htoo…
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During the last week of September, money exchanges offered 2,700 Kyat to the US dollar compared to 1,695 on the 1st September. The local currency began falling immediately after the military launched its coup against the democratically elected government on 1st February. When the military-appointed State Administration Council took control of the country, the Kyat traded at 1,395 to the…
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Padoh Saw Hser Pwe, the Congress implementation committee chairperson, who is also a KNU joint secretary, confirmed to Karen News that the surge of COVID-19 in KNU controlled territories has caused the six-month delay. Padoh Saw Hser Pwe said the committee is closely monitoring the pandemic to gauge when they can safely hold the Congress. The Congress is held every…
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Naw K’Nyaw Paw, secretary of the Karen Women Organization explained to Karen News as the Burma Army increases its offensives in ethnic regions women are abused. “The [Burma] army entered villages, take up positions in the village and then use local villagers as their protection. They [Burma Army] stay in the village and forcibly take villagers, especially women, when they…
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President Duwa Lashi La, in a seven-minute social media broadcast said it was time to put a stop to the military regime’s continued torture, detention, jailing and murder of civilian’s opposed to the military’s coup and its dismantling of the country’s parliamentary system. President Duwa Lashi La said NUG has moved to declared war to protect the people against “military…
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At the latest online ‘border-wide’ meeting held from August 24 to 26 by stakeholders and service providers to the refugee camps, including; UNHCR, INGO/NGO, refugee camp management committees and Karen Community Based Organizations, it was discussed to propose the Thai government find a way for refugee to have official permission to work in Thailand. Saw Pwe Say, secretary of the…
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By Saw Greh Moo* Since the beginning of the coup, some KNU’s military brigades, especially Brigade 1 and 5, openly sided with anti-coup protestors and engaged in intense fighting with the Burma Army. As a result, fighting between the KNU and Burma Army’s troops was confined to these Brigades. Since recent developments all KNU’s seven Brigades and districts have experienced…
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By Phil Thornton* If the violence unleashed by the military on unarmed civilians shocked the world, it wouldn’t have shocked those who were familiar with the Tatmadaw. Operating for decades from the shadows of various state apparatuses, the Tatmadaw has spent decades establishing a climate of fear, using a vast network of security agencies, militia, informers and neighborhood spies to…
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Reports circulated the Burma Army were putting in place plans to use counter-insurgency strategies against opposition against the military coup – the National Unity Government (NUG) and the People’s Defense Forces (PDF) – taking refuge in KNU controlled territory. Fighting in Karen National Liberation Army 5th and 1st Brigades has now spread to KNLA Brigade 6 and Brigade 7. Local…
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By Saw Lahkbaw* Karen Martyrs Day is not a day to be celebrated with light-hearted activities. It is a day of mourning and honoring our martyrs. Celebrations not acknowledging the services and sacrifices of our martyrs is disrespectful. Celebrations without taking the time to remember what our fallen died for is an inadequate response. Karen Martyrs Day is a day…
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