New Report, “Trying to Stay Strong,” by the Karenni Human Rights Group Finds Targeted Attacks by the Military Junta Against Civilians
(Chiang Mai, Thailand, 9 December 2024 —Today, the Karenni Human Rights Group (KnHRG) releases a new report, “Trying to Stay Strong: A Situational Overview of the Civilian Impact of Human Rights Violations in Karenni State between January and March 2024,” which documents human rights violations committed by the Burma Army.
KnHRG spoke to 325 communities in conflict-affected areas of Karenni State and along the Shan-Karenni border, including five townships and villages in Loikaw Township, Demoso Township, Hrpuso Township, Shawdaw Township and Phe Khon Township, between 1 January 2024 and 30 March 2024. Many shared their fears and concerns amid the ongoing attacks perpetrated by the military junta.
Women expressed uncertainty for their children and families, and young people denied an education expressed hope to continue learning. With over 3 million internally displaced people (IDPs) across Burma and at least 210,000 in Karenni State, conflict-affected communities face many challenges. However, they are trying to stay strong.
Airstrikes and ground attacks by the Burma Army have devastated the lives of villagers who have had their livelihoods disrupted and forcibly put on hold. IDPs living in 325 temporary shelters and 93 internal displacement camps in Karenni State and 11 along the Karenni- Shan border are struggling to survive with funding dwindling and emergency relief. Some people rely entirely on donations and aid to support themselves. Others have been able to return to their villages, though this also comes with risks of being killed or injured in the junta’s attacks.
Hundreds of thousands of people in Karenni State and throughout Burma have been denied justice for the crimes committed against them. Yet, they continue to show courage and a spirited resistance against the military junta. The international community must respond to their plight with tangible actions, including targeted sanctions on aviation fuel and a global arms embargo.
All civilians must be protected, and much more significant funding must be allocated to local organizations for programs and activities. Humanitarian aid must be provided cross- border to ensure dignified responses rooted in localized approaches and principles.
A lack of action by global actors will only embolden the military junta to continue
its crimes. It must be made clear that no one armed actor is above the law and that accountability will ensure meaningful justice for those who have suffered immensely.
KnHRG calls for immediate action on the human rights situation and to be done so in accordance with an approach of do no harm and which acknowledges the long-time calls and advocacy of civil society and the people on the ground who have shown an unwavering commitment to a future free of military-rule.
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For more information:
May Zin Latt: Director
Email: [email protected], [email protected]
Signal: +95 9 44931 0828
Ko Banya: Co-founder
Email: [email protected] Signal: +95 9 254 150 436
