Karen Unity and Peace Committee
Ethnic Karen constitutes around 10% of the total population
of the Union of Myanmar/Burma, depending on the source of data being referred
to. In terms of geographical distribution, Karen people reside in significant
numbers in 2 States (Karen and Mon) and 4 Regions (Ayeyarwady, Yangon, Bago and
Tanintharyi) out of 7 States and 7 administrative Regions. Karen also reside
inside the territory of the Union of Myanmar/Burma and there are Karen along
the Thai-Myanmar/Burma border who are resistance armed forces, political
activists, refugees and migrant workers. Another category of Karen has
resettled all over the world in different countries for social, economic and
political reasons. One thing all Karen people have in common is their love for
their people, their culture, and their homeland. No matter where they are, they
consider themselves as the stakeholders of the well being of the Karen people
in their homeland. On the other hand, because of their life experiences,
environment, and background they have a very diverse opinion on how to achieve
the sustainable peace and development of their people in a homeland that is
shared with many other ethnic groups.
It is a well-known fact that a group of Karen has resorted
to holding arms to struggle for autonomy and self-determination for the last 63
years under the name of Karen National Union (KNU). Although all the Karen
people did not join the KNU, there have been many different means and levels of
support or sympathy to the KNU from most of the Karen people. Many ceasefire
efforts between the KNU and the Government have been tried resulting in failure
or fragmentation of the group. At this point in time there are at least 4
different groups, those who are still trying to reach ceasefire agreement,
those who are still trying hard to maintain the ceasefire condition, those who
broke the previous ceasefire agreement, and those who chose to reintegrate with
the Government Military. This is simply put and generally categorized, and
there are many gray areas that do not fall into these 4 categories.
For those Karen residing inside the 6 States/Regions of the
country, there are differences in terms of their geographical identity,
dialect, faith, and political affiliation. There are at least 11
major dialects, 2 major faiths and several political party lines. At 2010
election, 3 Karen political parties were established. At this point there are 4
registered political parties and the potential of several other parties to be
established or re-established. Apart from that, there are many
active Karen political leaders and members in large political parties such as
National Unity Party and Union Solidarity and Development Party.
Introduction:
With the current change in the political landscape and the
noticeable effort of the newly formed government towards the democratic change,
many Karen as well as non-Karen in positions of leadership and responsibility,
and seen by the community as leaders share the view that it is a critical
window period of transition from now until 2015 election. Many
conscientious Karen agree that the ethnic armed groups including the KNU should
continue to strive for ceasefire and the ethnic communities should be actively
involved in the emerging National political dialogue towards peace.
Karen people at the grassroots, especially those whose lives are affected by
the arm conflict, also make known their need for ceasefire, security and peace.
They want a peaceful environment where they can lead their
livelihood, and not depend on relief aids. All other Karen from different walks
of life are interested in and also encouraged by the progress of the ceasefire
agreement process and disappointed when the process is being threatened.
To bring the Karen people from different groups and places
together to discuss this important crossroad, the first preliminary meeting of
50 Karen people from inside the country as well as from the border, widely
referred to as Kawthoolei area, was held on 28th and 29th January
2013, at the Ancestors Memorial Hall, Hpa-an Anglican Diocese, Karen State. The
outcome of the meeting was a ‘preliminary consensus’ to convene a Karen Affairs
Seminar for wider consultations and preparation towards an All Karen Conference
in the future. The prioritized issues to be discussed at the Seminar identified
at this preliminary meeting were:
1. Unity for Karen People
2. Peace for Karen People and the
Nation
3. An All Karen Conference that
will focus on the future of Karen
A working group of 11 members was elected at the meeting to
prepare for the Karen Affairs Seminar: 3 from the border region (including one
Christian leader), 4 from Karen State (including two Buddhist monks), and 4
from in-Country-outside Karen State (including one Christian leader). The name
of the group was given as the Working Group for Karen Affairs Seminar. The
following is the names of the Working Group members.
1. Ashin Sandawara – Chairman of the Group
2. Ashin Agga Wuntha
3. Robert Htwe
4. Father Joseph Thein Khin
5. Mathew Aye
6. P’doh Saw Hla Tun
7. P’doh Saw Tah Doh Moo
8. Mahn Aung Pyi Soe
9. Saw Win Soe
10. Naw Rebecca Htin
11. Nant Khin Aye Oo