Karen News

Since the coup, new arrivals have been documented alongside existing refugees, receiving the same food aid and other forms of assistance. However, Thai authorities now seek to reassess the number of post-coup arrivals to address concerns that individuals with criminal backgrounds may be among the refugees. Saw Pwel Say, secretary of the KRC, explained the situation: “Thai authorities have requested…

Following reports of the junta’s movement, residents of several nearby villages began fleeing. According to a local woman aiding displaced individuals, the junta column reached Lelthit Village in Kyunsu on July 19. She described the situation, stating, “The military column was advancing toward the local villages. Fearing harm from the soldiers, the villagers fled their homes and sought refuge in…

Born as the fourth of eight children to General Saw Tamla Baw, who was the former commander-in-chief of the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) and a former president of the KNU, Padoh Naw Zipporah Sein played a significant role in the Karen revolutionary movement. She served as the secretary general of the KWO from 2000 to 2008. In addition to…

This assertion follows the junta’s announcement that Min Aung Hlaing has assumed the responsibilities of interim president U Myint Swe, who has been incapacitated due to health issues, effective July 22. Padoh Saw Kale Say remarked, “Min Aung Hlaing’s decision to grab the position of interim president appears to be an initial step towards seeking international legitimacy. The junta seems…

“Two proposals will be submitted to the Thai government: one for a legal residence permit for Myanmar citizens arriving in Thailand, and the other for a legal work permit. For participants in the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) and politicians who have fled Myanmar, the need for legal residence is more critical than the right to work. However, the pink card…

An official from the Nway Oo Myittar aid group informed KIC that areas hosting displaced people lack essential resources such as clean drinking water, food, and adequate sanitation, contributing to the surge in diarrhea outbreaks. “We are still assessing the exact circumstances of the outbreak. The combination of long-term refugees and recently displaced individuals poses challenges in implementing effective relief…

Following KNDO’s 77th anniversary ceremony at its headquarters on July 16, Brigadier General Saw Shee Lay emphasized in an interview with KIC the importance of collective action among Karen people of all ages and genders to achieve this goal. “No single group like KNDO or the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) can alone realize the establishment of Karen State,” he…

The Palaw Tapo internally displaced people (IDP) camp, situated along the Thaungyin (Moei) River south of Myawaddy Town and within the Dooplaya District controlled by the Karen National Union (KNU), is currently experiencing an outbreak of contagious fever disease. Saw Kyaw Oo, who oversees the camp’s healthcare department, said that not only the camp residents but also villagers from nearby…

On July 3, some of the junta’s propaganda Telegram channels began spreading news of an intense power dispute among KNU leadership, claiming that current KNLA Commander-in-Chief, General Saw Johnny, had been removed from his position and former KNU Chairman, Saw Mutu Say Poe, had retired as an executive. Padoh Saw Kale Say refuted all these claims, clarifying that they were…

According to a July 4 press release from Mutraw District, in Hpapun, the junta employed aircraft and drones to drop bombs and explosives, resulting in the destruction of monasteries, plantations, hillside farms, schools, and houses. During June alone, there were 122 clashes between junta troops and the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), the armed wing of the KNU, resulting in…