Tag: Karenni Independence

On 21st June, our students joined with many other young people and organisations for a celebration in Karenni Refugee Camp 1 to recognise Karenni National Day. Karenni National Day commemorates the day that Karenni State was granted independence. For this day, Karenni people across the camp and across the globe unite in their shared history and roots. Every year the Karenni leaders remind their people of their history on the 21st of June. On this day, in 1875, the Burmese minister of foreign affairs, Kin Woon Mingyi and Sir Douglas Forsyth, a representative of the British viceroy, signed a treaty recognising Karenni independence. The treaty stated “It is hereby agreed between the British and Burmese governments that the state of Western Karenni shall remain separate and independent, and that no sovereignty or governing authority of any description shall be claimed or exercised over the state.” Despite this treaty, successive Burmese governments have ignored Karenni State’s independence and occupied their state. The 1875 agreement...