The Shan Ethnic Affairs Association (SEA), which represents five Shan ethnic groups in Kachin State and is based in the state capital Myitkyina, was reorganized with a new chairman on May 10, according to members.
SEA comprises 38 members, including a steering committee made up of a chair and secretary, as well as five patrons representing the five Shan ethnic groups: Tai Long, Tai Sa, Tai Khamti, Tai Le, and Tai Leng.
“Our members come from various parts of Kachin State, including Monghnyin, Mogaung, Namhkwin, Waingmaw, and Myitkyina. Members from Bhamo Township are currently displaced by conflict and scattered, so they will be included again once the situation stabilizes,” said U Myo Swe, the secretary of the SEA.
Shanni ethnic U Khin Maung Aye was appointed as the new chairman of SEA, with U Myo Swe serving as secretary. Four former members also returned to take part in the reorganization.
The group’s purpose is to document and raise awareness of human rights violations and oppression affecting the Shan ethnic group.
“SEA focuses on human rights abuses and has carried out extensive work for local Shan communities. For example, it has responded to issues such as tax collection, forced recruitment, and landmines affecting Shan-inhabited areas under the Kachin Independence Army (KIA). SEA has also provided assistance to detainees in cases involving arrested Shan individuals, along with involvement in various other Shan-related issues,” U Myo Swe added.
SEA was established in 2013 and included both local residents and government employees. Its activities were temporarily suspended from 2022 to 2026 due to instability in the region.
SEA has now been revived and reorganized with new members and a new chairman. The group plans to continue holding presidential elections every two years.
