“Everyone agrees that a federal system will be practiced. The public, starting from the grass roots level, needs to understand what a federal system is. We don’t want only the views of the KNU and the political parties to dominate the direction of the federal process. We also want to include the public’s voice. We want to let them know that genuine peace can only be realized when the nation is rebuilt with a federal system,” said Saw Kyaw Swar, secretary of the Karen Affairs Committee (KAC).

The KAC held a workshop about federalism and democracy in Hpa-an on April 27. Around 110 people, including religious leaders and village administrators, as well as members of the Karen National Union (KNU), the National League for Democracy, the Karen Human Rights Group and the Karen State Civil Society Organization Network, attended.

Representatives from each Karen organization presented their perspectives on what federalism in Myanmar might look like.

Saw La Haw Htoo, a KNU representative, said, “This [kind of consultation] is beneficial for people who already understand the federal system as well as for those who don’t yet understand it. Frequent meetings have also enabled us to keep in touch with Karen organizations and their concerns.”

Another, similar workshop on federalism and democracy will be held at a statewide meeting in June, according to KAC. The views presented at this state-level consultation will then be collected and shared with hluttaw representatives, political parties and ethnic armed groups active in Kayin.

Translated by Thida Linn
Edited by Laignee Barron