Karen Environmental and Social Action Network (KESAN) interviewed villagers about the recent human rights violations during the renew fighting between Burmas Tatmadaw forces/Border Guard Force and Democratic Karen Benevolent Army. Between September and October, 2014, more than ten incidents of fighting occurred in Karen State, Burma/Myanmar. At least six of these clashes took place in the area near the Salween River, near the planned Hat Gyi Dam project site. These clashes, fought between combined Burma Army/BGF forces and the DKBA, involved heavy mortar fire. As a result, over 2,000 people were forced to flee their homes, and most remain in hiding, fearing for their safety. Local civilians always suffer the most during times of armed conflict, and recent conflict in Karen State is no exception. The fighting, along with human rights abuses by the Burmese military and BGF, compromises villagers’ security, disrupts livelihoods, and spreads fear. Other than displacement, lack of access to humanitarian aid for IDPs, looting of homes and confiscation of property by the Burmese and BGF soldiers, forced labor, increased militarization and restriction of movement are the major impacts that subsequently followed the conflict. The pattern of recent fighting, and perspectives of local people and DKBA soldiers suggest that, recent conflict appears to be driven in large part by plans to develop the long-delayed Hatgyi Hydropower Project. Mega-development projects and conflict are historically linked in Karen State. Although the causes of recent clashes are complex, the consequences for civilians are clear. The Burmese military has violated the 2012 ceasefire by attacking the DKBA and has committed human rights abuses against local villagers. If the Burmese government continues to pressure Karen armed groups and launch military offensives, the current peace process is in danger of falling apart, with potentially disastrous consequences for the people of Karen State. youtube/watch?v=SpRwMU9Tyxo&list=UUd-hctq7rrZtXHD8boV0g4w
Posted on: Mon, 17 Nov 2014 22:36:22 +0000
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