KNU (Myanmar)

 

Background Information

With the original intention for the independence of the Karen state starting in 1949, the KNU adapted their goals in 1976 to become a federal state as part of a union of Myanmar. The KNU has garnered the sympathy from outside entities because they are fighting for the Karen people, which have been targeted for ethnic cleansing by the “Four Cuts” campaign which targeted the food, funds, intelligence, and recruits of ethnic regions.[1] The 60 year run of the opposition between the KNU and the Tatmadaw, was halted with a ceasefire agreement in September 2011, ending one of the longest-running insurgencies in the world.[2] In 1994, a group of Buddhist soldiers broke away from the group starting the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) as a result of the majority of the high officials being Christian.

 

Funding

For many years, the KNU was funded through its black market border trade and local taxation of the areas that it controls. [3]

 

Other human rights violations

Forced labor of citizens, as well of the arbitrary arrest of civilians has created a tense atmosphere within the region with communities fearing for their livelihood. Additionally, because of the application of landmines aimed at the Tatmadaw but often placed next to communities has resulted in civilian casualties.[4]

 

 

 

[1] Irrawaddy News, 2011

 

[2] Robinson, 2012

 

[3] While there is no evidence found indicating whether the taxation is forced or voluntary, there are suggestions that the citizens of Karen support the KLN and their goal, which implies that the while the tax might not be voluntary, it is not a enforced through violent means.

 

[4] Karen Human Rights Group, 2012

 

Karen Human Rights Group. (2012). “Nyaunglebin Situation Update: Moo Township, June to November 2012.” Retrieved from: http://www.khrg.org/khrg2012/khrg12b84.htm

 

Robinson, P. (2012).“Race to the Bottom: Burma and Vietnam head in opposite directions on human rights.” Human Rights Watch: Strategic Review. Retrieved from: http://www.hrw.org/news/2012/11/07/race-bottom-burma-and-vietnam-head-opposite-directions-human-rights