In the wake of the Karen National Union’s sudden walk out from the United Nationalities Federal Council’s conference and its subsequent temporary suspension of its membership in the ethnic alliance in late August, Karen communities and Karen civil society organizations were left baffled, confused, shocked, and enraged. They were left wondering what will be next in inter-ethnic relationship and cooperation…
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The government-backed Myanmar Peace Center (MPC) met with the Karen Peace Support Network (KPSN), that represents 28 Karen community based organizations, to discuss concerns regarding a Japanese economic development blueprint for South East Burma. Following the September 11 meeting, Naw Susanna Hla Hla Soe, from KPSN spoke to Karen News. “Primarily, we discussed how the two sides would cooperate on…
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The decision by the leadership of the Karen National Union to suspend membership from the United Nationalities Federal Council in August has been met with both criticism and praise, with one analyst stating the move was the “right decision to make,” while some Karen community leaders have argued it weakens the ethnic groups’ push for peace and ethnic equality. Speaking…
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The renowned Karen artist, Saw Kyaw La Thein, while on a visit to Australia called on the Karen diaspora to preserve Karen culture. Saw Kyaw La Thein was attending an event, on September 6, that showcased traditional Karen music, dance that was organized by the Karen community in Sydney. “The Karen language, literacy and customs are the blood and life…
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In a speech delivered at the celebration marking the formation of Border Guard Force, a militia group under the control of the Burma Army, Colonel Chit Thu, claimed that his troops are for the benefit of the Karen people. Colonel Chit Thu, senior advisor and general secretary of the Karen State BGF central command said, in his speech at the…
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August 12 marks the Karen Martyrs’ Day and its people scattered around the world take time to honor and remember those who died for freedom. Every year Karen leaders, soldiers and civilians commemorate the sacrifice of those who gave their lives for the cause of the Karen people under successive Burma military regimes. Karen civilians and leaders from Karen National…
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Schools run by the Karen Education Department (KED) on the Karen State border with Thailand, are facing a massive shortage of teaching materials. Saw Law Eh Moo, the Secretary of the KED, in an interview with Karen News said the education system does not have enough teachers, books or funds. “KED’s does not have enough curriculum materials for students and…
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The Karen National Union’s, secretary 1, Padoh Saw Thaw Thi Bweh told Karen News that unless the situation in Burma guarantees refugees safety, their dignity and is conducted according to international humanitarian guidelines any return at the moment is not appropriate. In an interview with Karen News, Padoh Saw Thaw Thi Bweh, Secratry of the Karen National Union, warned that…
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More than 20 Karen lawyers from all over Burma held an initial meeting in Rangoon last week to discuss the founding of a lawyer network that would provide legal assistance to the Karen community facing legal issues related to human rights, women’s right and land disputes. The Karen lawyers’ meeting was hosted at the office of the Karen Women Empowerment…
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General Tamla Baw, one of the most respected Karen leaders has died. General Tamla Baw passed away on Thursday June 26, at 9.24pm in the Thai border town of Mae Saraing. General Tamla Baw was a man of deeds and spent his life fighting for freedom, democracy and self-determination for Karen people, and for all the people of Burma. General…
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