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Published: March 20th 2009
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Nat, one of the trainers who was living in MHS and working in the camps a couple of months before we moved up here, took me around Camp 1 so I could gain a better understanding of the people, their tradition, culture and lifestyles. At first glance it was hard to believe that the camp is nearly inhabited by 20,000 people but as we traversed along the unpaved, rough and rocky roads, crossing many waterways and through various sections, I realised the large land area the camp covers.
She first took me to the Vocational Centre where students are able to learn trades, such as motor mechanics. There is a tree at this Centre depicting the three religions, symbolic of the faiths that are practiced in the camp. It is currently school holidays so you will see us surrounded by many children or pictured in the photos as they enjoy being on a break. We also visited the Health Clinic, Kayah section where they still dress in traditional clothes and the Catholic area. The cross is quite a sight on a hill in the camp and Nat tells me that it was a 20 year old gift. Most of the
women spend their days weaving and other activities take place such as making the thatched roofs and collecting wood from the forest.
The Karenni population is very ethnically diverse, with over 40 dialects spoken in BMNS. They have had very little exposure to western influences and as we walked around the camp they were quite shy and reserved. It is with no wonder why they might be weary and unsure of strangers when you read about the atrocities they have had to endure. The resilience, strength and courage demonstrated by the Karenni people is amazing, particularly their determination to preserve their own culture.
Background on the Karenni
Most of the Karenni population in Camp 1 originates from Karenni state, located on the Thai-Burma border. They are said to have migrated from Mongolia and settled in Karenni State in 739 BC. In the past Karenni State was an autonomous region however it has been under occupation since 1948 by the Burmese Government. Karenni State is seen as one of the least accessible and poorest areas in Burma and most of the population rely on agriculture and live a subsistence existence. The poverty and stark conditions of Karenni State prevent
villages from accessing basic health and education services and malnutrition and food shortages remain an ongoing problem.
For over 50 years the Karennis have fought to retain their identity, sovereignty and preserve their traditions, culture and languages while the Burmese military continue to pursue an ethnic cleansing agenda against them. They are denied their economic, social and cultural rights and Burmese soldiers oppress Karenni villagers, with members being isolated from their own community and other ethnic groups. The number of armed groups in Karenni has increased and as a result the civilian population is punished by the Burmese army who constantly inflict abuses upon them. Systematic arrests, imprisonment, killings, destruction of houses, forced relocations, land seizures, widespread internal conflict and resource shortages has increased the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees fleeing to Thailand. It is reported that since 1996, over 2,500 Karenni villages have been destroyed by the Burmese regime. Over a quarter of the population in Karenni State has been forced from their home as a result of the Burmese military and 80% of those are women and children. Unless security and conditions improve in Burma, it is not viable for the BMNS camp population
to return so many have had to make the difficult decision of resettlement.
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