KNU Approves 33 'Kaw' Traditional Governance Areas of Indigenous Peoples

Thirty-three 'Kaw' areas, representing the traditional governance system of indigenous peoples spanning 380,984.1 acres within the Karen National Union (KNU) controlled territory, were signed and approved by the KNU central body on September 3 at a location along the Thailand-Myanmar border. 'Kaw' refers to a land system that existed even before the advent of modern administrative systems, managing and protecting the region's land, forests, and natural resources in accordance with the traditional customs of the indigenous Karen people. According to KNU data, among the 33 approved 'Kaw' areas, 10 are located within the Salween Peace Park area in Mutraw (Phapun) District, and 23 are within the Taw Oo Indigenous Community Garden area in Taw Oo (Taungoo) District. The KNU central body stated that the current approval is intended to protect the land ownership rights of indigenous peoples, to ensure the long-term sustainability of the environment, forests, water, and land, and to prevent the disappearance of the traditional cultural identity of the Karen people. Pado Saw Lay Sese, head of the KNU Central Department of Agriculture and Irrigation, said, "This approval will bring benefits to the indigenous communities, allowing them to manage their territories themselves according to their traditions and to preserve their cultural customs." The signing of approval for 'Kaw' was carried out by Pado Saw Ekar Lu Say, Chairman of the KNU Central Land Committee, and the approvals will be reissued to the respective districts, townships, and villages. Each 'Kaw' includes elements such as the use of traditional land management systems, governance by traditional leaders, and management of land, forests, and resources in accordance with customary laws. Pado Saw Lay Sese added, "While successive military regimes have rejected the promotion and protection of indigenous customs, these 'Kaw' will proceed with the self-governance system of the indigenous people, originating from the grassroots." It is understood that out of over 300 locations submitted with information regarding land management and the preservation of traditional customs within the Kawthoolei region, only 33 have been approved so far. This is the second time the KNU central body has approved these 'Kaw' areas; the first approval in 2022 included 4 'Kaw' in Taw Oo District and 1 in Mutraw District, totaling 5 'Kaw'.