Statement: Calling for the Government and Military to End the Violent Crackdown Against Peaceful Demonstrators and Stop the War in Kachin State

Karen peace Support Network (KPSN) | May 17, 2018

1. KPSN stands with the STOP WAR and Peace Movement in calling for the government and military to end military offensives in Kachin and Northern Shan states, and withdraw their troops to allow IDPs to return to their land and homes in safety.

2. The Burmese government has violently cracked-down on demonstrations supporting the “STOP WAR” and “Peace Movement” and by doing so has directly violated people’s internationally recognized human right to freedom of expression. The right to freedom expression is at the foundation of any democracy, the Myanmar government and military has disregarded this right by arresting and suing people involved in peaceful demonstrations where they have been calling for an end to war in the country. We, KPSN, condemn these acts of violent oppression by the Myanmar government and military.

3. KPSN strongly condemns the Myanmar Army’s ongoing, widespread military offensives in Kachin, Shan, and Karen States, that have resulted in large-scale forced displacements, extrajudicial killings, rape, and torture of civilians.

4. KPSN calls for the immediate release of all peaceful demonstrators detained by the police in Myitkyina, Yangon, Mandalay, Nattalin, and Pyay/Aung Lan, and for all charges against them to be dropped. KPSN calls for the investigation into the brutality, violence and intimidation perpetrated by thugs against peaceful protests during the demonstrations.

Contact Person:
Saw Alex: +66 967656615 (English, Burmese, Karen)
Saw Kyaw Zwar: +95 9794952056 (English, Karen, Burmese)

NOTE: The Karen Peace Support Network is the largest network of Karen civil society organizations in Burma. Its member organizations have been providing support for vulnerable people and communities in this conflict-torn region for decades, striving to empower local communities, build transparent and accountable institutions, and help create a sustainable peace in Burma.