ethnic

Myanmar’s ethnic media is at a crossroads writes Ko Htwe. Government restrictions have eased, but ethnic groups are still fighting for an equal voice. Myanmar’s independent media suffered during 60 years of military rule. The country’s dictator, General Ne Win, effectively banned or censored any media that was not state owned. While a series of reforms implemented by President Thein…

Six Karen ethnic boxers have been selected to represent Burma at the coming 27th Southeast Asian Games that will be hosted in Burma from December 11th 2013. A member of the SEA Game organizing committee said that the Karen boxers selected to compete in the SEA Game include Saw Nga Man (Saw Shark), the Burmese golden belt champion, Nan That…

Karen News is led to understand that President U Thein Sein has given directives to his office’s minister not to discuss issues about ethnic states secession and issues that can harm the sovereignty of the country during political dialogue with ethnic groups. Burma government ministers and political parties met in the Myanmar Peace Center on November 10 where President Office…

A report launched this week by the Burma News International highlighted the impact of business on the country’s fragile peace process. The report – Economics of Peace and Conflict – details how economic engagement trends connected to the peace process “have already caused serious negative impacts on local communities and may threat the durability of peace agreements.” Burma News International…

The Karen National Union’s outspoken General Baw Kyaw stresses that he wants ethnic people to work together for the equality of all the people of Burma. General Baw Kyaw Heh, the Karen National Liberation Army’s vice-chief-of-staff said he overwhelmingly supported the Ethnic Nationalities Summit to be held in Laiza, the headquarters of the Kachin Independence Organization. “I am hopeful that…

The United Nationalities Federal Council held an emergency meeting last Saturday to discuss the government’s nationwide ceasefire offer. Following the meeting UNFC announced that the offer is not acceptable at this point. The UNFC called the executive emergency meeting following discussions with the Burma government to sign a nationwide ceasefire agreement on October 2013. The UNFC’s general secretary, Naing Han…

A move by the Burmese government to send teachers to Karen National Union controlled areas has created tensions with villagers. Saw Mu Htee, from the Karen Teacher Working Group (KTWG) who is visiting Karen schools in the Pa-an district spoke to Karen News. “In 2013, Burmese government sent more government teachers to Karen villages and order local educational authorities. Parents…

Shan community based organizations claim that Burmese authorities are preparing to repatriate Shan refugees from Thailand, warning that the safety of refugees are at risk and repatriation is “premature.” The community groups, the Shan Human Rights Foundation and the Shan Women’s Action Network, said that Burmese authorities had visited Koung Jor camp of about 500 people last month. The camp…

A diplomat from the British Embassy in Rangoon met with member of a Karen political party to discuss ethnic issues and the ongoing political reforms taking place in Burma. Mr Joseph Fisher, the second secretary at the British Embassy said at the meeting with the Phalon Sawaw Democratic Party (PSDP), that ethnic issues are a crucial factor in Burma’s transition…

Burma’s military has renewed offensives in Shan State this month, leading to displacement of civilians and has occupied a Buddhist temple, turning it into a military base, say local rights group. As Burma’s military attacked the Shan State Army-North (SSA-N) last week, a Buddhist temple found itself in the middle of the conflict zone. On June 23, the Army sent…