Stop the Bombing of Indigenous Communities in the Northern Karen State

STOP THE BOMBING OF INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES IN THE NORTHERN KAREN STATE

Date: April 20, 2026

THE PHILIPPINE ICCA CONSORTIUM stands in solidarity with Indigenous communities in northern Karen State and strongly condemn the Burma Army’s reported airstrikes from 10–16 April 2026, as documented by the Karen Peace Support Network and the Salween Peace Park Committee. These airstrikes have resulted in civilian deaths, injuries and the destruction of homes, clinics, schools, churches, and a monastery.

These attacks constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law, and contravene international human rights standards which affirms Indigenous Peoples’ rights to life, security, and the protection of their lands, territories and resources.

We call on the UN Human Rights Council, the UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples, and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, to conduct investigation, and take actions to prevent further attacks. We call on Indigenous delegates to the ongoing 25^th Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues to raise this in their intervention, and to support transmission of urgent concerns to the aforementioned UN mechanisms and Special Procedures.  Indigenous Peoples embody the inseparability of peace, biodiversity protection and climate resilience.

There can be no effective peace, biodiversity and climate actions where indigenous stewards are under attack. Pursing peace, biodiversity protection and climate resilience require the protection of people who sustain it.

Giovanni B. Reyes
President, Philippine ICCA Consortium
Chairman, Indigenous Peoples Advisory Group to the Global Environment Facility

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