Kachin Conflict Highlights Deep-seated Ethnic Concerns and Dire Need for a Commission of Inquiry

Yesterday, democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi celebrated her birthday in freedom for the first time in 7 years. However, her 66th birthday was marked by ongoing conflict between the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the Burma Army that broke a 17-year ceasefire between the two sides.

During an address at the National League for Democracy (NLD) headquarters, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi stated that there are “sparks of war flying” in Burma. With as many as 10,000 civilians displaced by the ongoing conflict in Kachin State, and documented conflict-related human rights violations, the past week’s conflict has only served to further highlight the failure of the regime to address the needs and concerns of ethnic communities in Burma […]

Worldwide Demonstrations Against Broken Ceasefire in Kachin State

Armed conflict broke out in Kachin State on 9 June, breaking a 17-year ceasefire agreement between the KIO and the Burma Army. As many of 10,000 people have fled from the fighting and remain displaced along the China border.

The Kachin National Organization has called for a Global Day of Action on Friday 24 June to show solidarity with the Kachin Independence Army (KIO) that is fighting to protect the people of Kachin State […]

Press Release on Chronology of Events of Armed Conflicts in Kachin Conflict

(Unofficial Translation)

We respectfully announce the followings to the people in Kachin State.

(1) There has been fighting between the KIA troops and the Burma army since 9 June 2011.

(2) The KIO (Kachin Independence Organization) never want to make and see the troubles and damages of people.

(3) We make this announcement with an intention to inform the people the true events and to counter the false news story published by Kyee Mon (Mirror) newspaper on 17 June 2011 […]

AIPMC calls for urgent peace talks in Myanmar and real action by ASEAN

The ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Myanmar Caucus – AIPMC strongly condemns the decision by the Myanmar government to dispatch heavily armed troops into Kachin State and the concomitant outbreak of fighting, which brings an end to seventeen years of ceasefire between the government and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) […]

Kachin women denouncing offensive by the Burmese Army and atrocities against Kachin people

We, the Kachin Women’s Association Thailand (KWAT), strongly denounce the Burmese military’s offensives against the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), and atrocities against civilians including rape, murder and abduction of young men. The Burmese military attack to a KIA post in Eastern Kachin State on the 9th June 2011 and subsequent fighting has driven thousands of civilians out of their homes into the Kachin- China border areas […]

Energy-hungry China winces as civil war unfolds in Burma

Heavy fighting over the past week close to Burma’s northern border will concern Beijing, who told visiting Burmese President Thein Sein last month that stability along the volatile frontier must be made a priority of the new government. Hundreds of millions of dollars in overland trade passes through several official crossings along the border each year; millions more is smuggled by timber merchants, drug mules and human trafficking rackets. The value of maintaining the unimpeded flow of trade is crucial to both Burma and China’s developing southern Yunnan province […]

Statement of 8th Karen Unity Seminar

The 8th Karen Unity Seminar was successfully held from May 24 to 27, 2011, at a certain place in the area of Karen revolutionary resistance. The Seminar was attended by 117 representatives from 42 Karen organizations based at home and abroad.

At the Seminar, discussions were held particularly on the subjects of strengthening unity among the Karen people, current political situations in Burma and the sufferings the entire Karen people have to go through […]

Statement on Critical Situation in Shan State – Nationwide Ceasefire Needed In Burma

The European Parliamentary Caucus on Burma is extremely concerned by the current situation in Shan State, Eastern Burma, and in other ethnic states, where conflict is increasing […]

100 Days of Parliament: Many Promises, Little Changes

The first 100 days of a new Parliament can be a defining moment for a burgeoning democracy, with respect for democratic principles, openness and transparency forming the foundation of a successful democratic government. 11 May 2011 saw the first 100 days of Parliament in Burma, but the new nominally civilian government had little to show for itself.

Burma’s Parliament represents a degree of structural change, but due to measures imposed on non-military backed MPs, these MPs have been restricted from performing their responsibilities. They have faced mounting challenges in parliament, with the Speakers in both the National and People’s Assembly blocking 87% of proposals submitted, most notably a proposal concerning national reconciliation. Laws enacted in November have granted MPs freedom of speech, providing their words do not endanger national security or the unity of the country; questions put forward by MPs must not affect international relations or undermine the “interests” of the State and its citizens […]

CSW calls for Aid and Action for Eastern Burma to Address Growing Humanitarian Crisis

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) is today calling for international action to end the growing humanitarian crisis in eastern Burma, where there is an acute food shortage in Karen state, and attacks on civilians in Shan State continue […]