Karen

Over 800 Kayin State teachers are being trained in Karen language and culture in a three-week workshop in Hpa-An. “Ethnic language teaching is now permitted at government schools,” said Ko Wunna Htun, one of the leaders of the training program, which is being conducted by the Kayin (Karen) literature and culture association. “At this training, we will teach them not…

Hundreds of people have been swarming the passport issuing office in the Karen State capital on a daily basis, according to a police chief. He attributed the demand, which increased at the beginning of this year, to a lack of jobs in Myanmar as most of the passport applicants are headed to Thailand or Korea in search of work. “The…

Urgent medical attention is needed at the Ei Tu Hta displaced persons camp in Karen State amid an outbreak of diarrhea among children and the elderly, camp officials have said. The outbreak began on February 20 and has so far affected around 30 internally displaced persons (IDPs). Camp officials are calling for emergency aid, including medicine, to be provided in…

With donor-supplied food rations set to stop soon, internally displaced families in Karen State say they are worried about their future, yet have little recourse. Donors are expected to discontinue food aid at five camps in Karen and Shan states as of September in a move that could affect around 9,000 people. “If the support stops, it will not be…

The 16th Congress of the Karen National Union (KNU) is underway. Karen News spoke to Karen leaders to get their opinions on the election for a new leadership that will come out during the Congress. Naw K’nyaw Paw, (Secretary, Karen Women Organization) “The Karen National Union represents all Karen people. Thus, the person who is going to become the leader…

Representatives from the Karen National Union’s central level and from seven districts together with other observers made it to Lay Wah (also known as Law Khee Lar) in Pa-an district Karen State to attend the 16th Congress that started today, March 14, 2017. The KNU representatives and observers from the Karen political parties, Karen armed groups and Karen civil society…

As millions of women around the globe took to the streets or rallies to commemorate the 106th International Women’s Day, the Karen Women Organization rose to the occasion to demand that more women are involved in the Karen National Union leadership and that they take part in the political decision making at all levels. The KWO released a statement offering…

The largest refugee camp on the Thai-Burma border experienced a rash of suicide cases last year, mainly among the youth population, according to a doctor and camp resident. In 2016, there were 57 suicide attempts at Mae La refugee camp, 23 of which resulted in death, according to figures provided by a camp member recording the cases. “When we were…

The Karen National Union is gearing up for its 16th congress next week, with international representatives from 12 countries expected to attend the leadership-determining event. The congress, which was postponed from November last year, could have major repercussions for the KNU’s involvement in the peace process, with a vote expected to shake up the organization’s management. The international delegates, who…

Sa Thu Hlaing Win, a Western Pwo Karen literacy advocate from the Irrawaddy delta region is the winner of the 2016 Padoh Mahn Sha Young Leader Award. Sa Thu Hlaing Win (also known as Sa Khant Thu Hlaing), was presented with the award at the 9th memorial service of Padoh Mahn Sha Lah Phan that was held at Taw Gyaung…