Karen News

The 33 ‘Kaw’ territories are areas governed under the traditional systems of Indigenous communities. ‘Kaw’ refers to a traditional territorial governance system that has existed among Indigenous Karen communities since before modern administrative systems emerged. Under the system, local communities protect, conserve and manage land, forests, mountains and natural resources in accordance with their traditional customs and practices. According to…

In downtown Hpa-An, authorities are primarily targeting young casual laborers, masons, shop employees, and commuters traveling to and from work. While some detainees have been released, it is often only after families negotiate and pay substantial bribes. “Authorities carefully plan their daily abductions to prevent leaks. A friend of mine was arrested a few days ago. He was only released…

The assertion came during the August 28 virtual launch of the council’s progress report, “Building Chinland: Exercising Self-Determination – Two and a Half Years of Alternative Governance by the Chinland Council.” Produced with support from the Chin Centre for Peace and Reconciliation (CCPR) and drawing on input from 19 townships and administrative zones, the report details how alternative administration has…

The displaced population, currently taking refuge at the Palaw Ta Po camp near the Thaungyin (Moei) River, is trapped in Hpalu village and Minletpan village. Heightened combat activity and roaming junta columns have left civilians afraid to leave the camp, while rising monsoon river levels prevent safe retreat across the border into Thailand. Fears of targeted strikes mounted after an…

On August 15, the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA)—the armed wing of the Karen National Union (KNU)—and allied groups overran junta positions in Kwimaungtaing Village, forcing regime troops to retreat and abandon weapons and ammunition. Within 24 hours of the defeat, the junta launched air and ground strikes to regain the position. Heavy fighting has since spread across the Htihpoezan…

The crackdown follows a wave of arrests and prosecutions targeting illegal cross-border trade. Traders and drivers bringing in Thai merchandise with the assistance of junta-aligned Karen armed groups have been detained, along with members of the armed factions who facilitated the shipments. “Almost everyone who helped the trucks get through—including the drivers—was arrested and sentenced to two to three years…

The children, who were born inside the camp along the Thai-Myanmar border, hold 13-digit identification cards issued by Thailand’s Ministry of Interior (MOI). Because current regulations restrict cardholders from leaving the camp, the MOE ordered all 13 students suspended from Thai government schools outside the camp in early August, Thai news outlet The Reporters reported. “We only found out after…

Despite announcements by Thai authorities that border telecommunications lines had been severed to suppress illicit operations—locally known as Zhapian businesses—the criminal rings continue to maintain high-speed internet access along the Thai-Myanmar border. When scam compounds initially relocated into remote, mountainous DKBA territory south of Myawaddy, they lacked basic phone or internet infrastructure. Operators relied heavily on Starlink satellite devices, paying…

The missing individuals—residents of Wah Mee Hta village in the Thaybawboe village tract—left on July 10 in a tractor to retrieve a vehicle that was stuck on the Mekanei–Hpalu road. They have not been heard from since. Local sources indicate the men inadvertently encountered advancing Myanmar military troops along a road section affected by active fighting and were subsequently detained.…

The joint call marked the international observance on August 9, held this year under the theme “Honoring Indigenous Midwives: Safeguarding Life and Well-being.” Saw Paul Sein Twa, chairman of the Salween Peace Park Committee, highlighted the indispensable role these traditional birth attendants—known locally as let-thaes—play as frontline caregivers amidst widespread military conflict and displacement. “When hospitals and clinics are forced…