Indiscriminate and Targeted Attacks by the Military Junta Threaten Survival of Local Communities Across Karenni State

Overall Analysis: 

The second quarter of the year, between April and June 2025, was marked by increasing targeted violence against civilians, including the perpetration of war crimes by the military junta in Karenni State and across the country. 

These ongoing attacks and blatant violations of human rights have deeply concerned the Karenni Human Rights Group (KnHRG), which is alarmed by the lack of intervention from the international community to end the junta’s reign of terror. 

Among the main challenges faced by local people is a lack of livelihood opportunities. They also face limited access to basic food supplies, rising commodity prices, reduced donor support, and the necessity to borrow from neighbours, which leads to increasing debt. 

Other issues include weather and natural disasters that hinder paddy growth. Additionally, access to education is limited due to the worsening conflict, causing mental distress for parents who must make life-or-death decisions about sending their children to school because of mortar shelling and airstrikes. There are shortages of teachers, equipment, and classrooms. School buildings, often constructed from bamboo, are fragile and cannot withstand heavy rains and wind. Parents also find it difficult to afford their children’s school fees.

Civilians face life-threatening health impacts, especially those living in rural communities where clinics, medicine, and nurses are lacking. The absence of employment opportunities has also led to a lack of income to purchase medicine. There are not enough mosquito nets, which prevent mosquito-borne diseases.

Consequently, throughout May and June, most people, including children, faced malaria. This is exacerbated by transportation limitations resulting from fighting, which restricts travel. It impacts health, the economy, livelihoods, and children’s education. During the rainy season, travel is also difficult due to flooding, landslides, and slippery conditions.

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