YPD Network Karen
Karen YPDKaren People You might be not aware of the situation in Burma in particular about Karen People. Based on fact, ethnic groups in Burma make up roughly one third of the population and live primarily in the seven ethnic minority states, Due to the differences in ethnic origin and political aspirations, internal conflict has increased significantly since Burma gained its independence form Britain in 1948. Ongoing conflict and accompanying human rights violations against ethnic minority civilians in Burma have caused refugee outflows to the border areas in Thailand. At t present there are 7 Karen refugee camps, located in 4 border provinces, housing over 134,000 refugees. Most people explicit indicated that they came to the refugee camp in order to escape form the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC is the name for the junta/dictatorship). A significant number of people refer to e forced labour and forced relocation. Which in fact are the immediate consequences of SPDC presence in the respective areas. The SPDE continuously commits every human rights offence imaginable and then denies it. Since 1997 the refugee camps became subject ot tighter controls by the Thai authorities. During the dry season offences, there were many reports of refugees coming across the border into Thailand. The Thai authorities do not allow any more refugees to enter but exiting camps are still over crowded and in poor condition. As a result income-earning opportunities decreased and Karen refugees became more themselves for the future. Therefore certainly adult literacy classes are required to improve the quality of life in the camps. Karen people are suffering for freedom regarding politic, education, economics, social and others. We, the Karen, really hope to be in our motherland and enjoy our freedom and rights as a nation and hold our freedom and rights as a nation and hold our self-determination. We believe that Burma is suitable for Federal Union according to the geographical areas and different ethnic groups. The Karen are still struggling for freedom and self-determination and at the same time working towards the federal democracy in Burma. Finally, as a role of Karen youth, community organization and community supporting are vital roles in order to help the development of our Karen people and get ready to help establish democracy throughout the country while promoting the concepts of a federal Union. Consequently, Karen youth do and must continue to try to educate and motivate other Karen youths about these responsibilities and try to promote them, particularly by seeking educational opportunities for our young brothers and sisters. YPD Karen Team Karen Team joined YPD since 2003, We Karen both in Thailand and Burma participated. Out team is based in Thai-Burma border and action through Thai-Burma border both inside Burma-Thailand, Refugee camps and inside Burma. This year, the Karen Team organizes two training programs about leadership for young people in Umphien Camp(9-15 April) and in Burma(20-27 May 2006). Karen YPD - Second leadership trainingThe second Summer Training has been running in Burma (20-27 May 2006). Opening ceremony on 22 Monday, 36 of local people, area leaders and some other guests were participated.  There were 7 guest speakers from the local community who gave words of encouragement for the training at the opening ceremony. 20 people attended the training programme. They came from 11 villages from the surrounding areas. The participants were mainly school teachers and community leaders between the ages of 18-53. There were 7 trainers including YPD members, Moon, Kwi Kwi(Karen) and Makiko from Japan.  Thanks to all YPD teams and sponsors from Malaysia, Thailand and France. For more information about Karen:Please check the following website;
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