Civilians Threatened by the Junta, Forced to Vote at the Polls in Sham Election as Violence Undermines their Safety

Overall Analysis:

Severe hardship and struggle in Karenni State have led to rising displacement and deepening uncertainty as the junta’s attacks escalate. Consequently, the humanitarian crisis is directly impacting the lives of innocent people. Access to education and healthcare is routinely disrupted by the junta’s campaign of terror, including both targeted and indiscriminate bombardments.

The Karenni Human Rights Group (KnHRG) has continued to monitor the many challenges faced by internally displaced people (IDPs) and has repeatedly called on international stakeholders to take decisive, coordinated and meaningful action against the terrorist military junta.

Throughout the last quarter of 2025, from October to December, the situation steadily worsened. Amid the erosion of protections,

basic access to clinics has been undermined due to the conflict, leading to various health and skin diseases that are having a devastating impact on local communities, especially children who struggle to access treatment without the threat and likely possibility of targeted attacks. In two IDP camps in eastern Demoso, children under the age of 18 are suffering from skin-related ailments and the flu, as there remains a lack of clean water and nutritional food, as well as a lack of readily available medicine.

In addition, the increasing rate of forced displacement led to 30,000 newly displaced persons by September 2025. KnHRG Co-Founder, Ko Banya, stated, “The main affected areas include eastern Pekon Township, western Loikaw Township, the Mawchi area, and Nan Mae Khon Township.”

IDPs urgently need shelter, supplies, food, healthcare items, blankets, women’s and children’s essentials, and medicine before winter. The ongoing conflict, fueled by the military junta, has cut off necessities for innocent people. In Htaye Lyar Moe IDP camp, which shelters more than 400 people from 95 households, attacks are leading to more camp residents and increasing need, as those sheltering risk being killed while trying to retrieve their belongings.

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