Voices of the People
These are Burma’s voices for change, extraordinary stories of people of Burma from all walks of life. Their experiences, struggles, fears, and successes. These are unheard stories of incredible spirit of resilience and courage, voices of hope and dreams that have emerged from decades of oppression. Help us spread these voices across the globe!
Ta’ang (Palaung) Leader’s Message to the International Community: ‘Come and See the Real Picture in Our Areas’
Currently the Burmese military has been increasing its troops inside Ta’ang areas in northern Shan State and intensified armed battles have broken out in Ta’ang areas since U Thein Sein became President […]
‘Please Support Our People, Not the Government – They Are Cheating the World’: Mahn Robert Ba Zan
Ariana Zarleen / Burma Link There is no political solution, only ceasefire. During the ceasefire, they [Burmese military] have been building a stronghold in Karen areas […]
‘They Know Nothing About Ethnic Education’
Samantha Michaels / The Irrawaddy, September 23, 2014 MAE SOT, Thailand — During decades of civil war against the government, ethnic groups in Burma didn’t just build armies; they also built education systems […]
Developing the Forgotten Land – Eastern Nagaland in Northwest Burma
Ariana Zarleen / Burma Link Eastern Nagaland has greatly suffered under the coercive control of the Burmese military junta, and is undoubtedly one of the most forgotten and least developed areas in the whole world. In a land […]
‘One Day the World Will Recognise Our Sovereignty’: Naga Leader Part 2
By Ariana Zarleen / Burma Link Shapwon is a leader of the Naga, a forgotten people who have fought a desperate struggle against the Indian and Burmese governments as well as Naga socialists. In a [...]
‘I Am One of the Top People on Their Lists to Be Killed’: Naga Leader Part 1
By Ariana Zarleen / Burma Link Shapwon is a leader of the Naga. He joined the nationalist movement in 1975 and is now the Joint Secretary of Naga National Council. He is a leader who [...]
‘The British Had No Right to Draw the Borderline in the Heart of Naga Country’: Eastern Naga Leader
By Ariana Zarleen / Burma Link Nagaland was once a free land with rich and unique cultural traditions that varied from village to village, each village ruled by their own chieftains. The faith of the [...]
‘I Am Really Worried About Our Country’s Future’
Jessica Mudditt / Mizzima, September 21, 2014 Former political prisoner Nay Phone Latt, 34, is the secretary of PEN Myanmar and executive director of the advocacy group, Myanmar ICT Development Organization (MIDO), which he founded in February 2012. In April he launched the anti-hate speech movement panzagar […]
Part 2: ‘They Create Problems Between Lahu and Other Ethnicities’
Burma Link | July 5, 2014 (updated July 30, 2015) Lahu are a little known ethnic group scattered around four countries; Burma, China, Laos and Thailand. Lahu people typically live up on the mountains and [...]
Part 1: ‘INGOs Cannot Reach Lahu Areas and the Needs of the Lahu People’
Burma Link | July 1, 2014 (updated July 30, 2015) Kyar Yin Shell is a 26-year-old young man from Kengtung, the ‘dark and dirty’ capital city of eastern Salween in the Shan State. While Kengtung [...]
‘My children and I have nowhere to go’: Kachin IDP
By Burma Link AOC Despite a number of peace talks having been conducted between the central government and Kachin Independence Army (KIA), there is no sign of the war ceasing in Kachin state. The ongoing [...]
‘Authorities Should Take Action for Refugees NOW’: Young Refugee Woman
Burma Link | June 20, 2014 Christine is a 22-year-old Karen refugee who lives in Mae La refugee camp with her husband and young daughter. She has lived there for seven years ‘as a prisoner’ [...]