The International Indigenous People Movement for Self-Determination and Liberation (IPMSDL) sends its warmest greetings to all the Karen people. They commemorate the 73rd Karen Revolution Day this January 31 and continue fighting for their right to self-determination, ancestral lands, life, and genuine peace. We give our highest salute to all the Karen martyrs and living heroes who kept the flame of hope and resistance blazing.
We declare our support for the Karen Revolution, a historic seven-decade struggle that continues to establish the independence of a Karen state (Kawthoolei). This year’s celebration is equally noteworthy. After the junta, it also marks the first year of the Burmese military dictatorship. Airstrikes in Karen State’s Mutraw district have displaced 90% of the entire rural population prompting a humanitarian crisis.
The Tatmadaw-led military dictatorship has subjugated the Karen people and the broader population of Burma. It has caused increasing forced disappearances, torture, arrests, killings and intimidation, evictions, and village burnings, including 1,400 people killed, 11,000 arrested and over 8,000 in detention.
During the Karen Revolution Day, airstrikes and attacks were carried by the Burmese army and Border Guard Force destroying houses, killing women and children.
These increasing onslaughts warrants our unity and action. Let’s continue our call for a swift humanitarian response for the tens of thousands of refugees and internally displaced peoples who need food, medicine and shelter. We join our networks in Karen in calling for strong sanctions on the Burmese military’s aviation, fuel and arms which enable their murderous air and land attacks.
Immediate international investigation and missions must look and hold the Burmese military junta accountable for all its crimes and violations against Indigenous Karen and of Indigenous and human rights.
Only by dismantling the repressive Burmese military dictatorship can the Karen realize their self-determined future. Their victories in showing the world the success of people-centred and indigenous-led environment conservation, sustainable food system and livelihood, democratic governance and preservation and development of traditional knowledge and culture is possible by defeating injustice and oppression by the fascist military regime.
The Karen people’s steadfast resolve to carry on the legacy of the Karen Revolution inspires indigenous communities around the world. The Karen Revolution’s spirit will only live on through solidarity and militant assertion.#
Reference:
Beverly L. Longid, Global Coordinator
[email protected]
Whatsapp +639279019830
