Karen State, Myanmar, remains at the heart of a severe humanitarian crisis as intensified conflict between the military junta and resistance groups like the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) and the People’s Defense Forces (PDF) rages on. The situation has reached alarming levels, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence, displacement, and lack of access to essential services
The junta’s use of airstrikes and heavy artillery has devastated numerous villages, forcing thousands to flee into the jungles or seek refuge across the border in Thailand. These indiscriminate attacks have not only caused significant loss of life but have also destroyed homes, schools, and vital infrastructure, leaving communities in ruin. Resistance forces, including the KNLA and PDF, continue their efforts to repel these assaults, leading to ongoing and fierce battles near civilian-populated areas.
Karen mother and her child. Kanele Htaw IDP camp, Myanmar, September 2024
Karen National LIberation Army (KNLA) soldiers returning from the frontline. Karen State, Myanmar, September 2024
Mother and child health care training at the clinic of a camp for internally displaced persons in Kayin State, Myanmar, September 2024
Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) soldiers at their barracks. KNLA outpost in Kayin State, Myanmar, September 2024
A young couple coming to a clinic with their young child who has high fever. Lae Gho clinic, Karen State, Myanmar, September 2024
Karen National LIberation Army (KNLA) soldier taking a rest after returning from the frontline. Karen State, Myanmar, September 2024
Class for young children at a temporary school for displaced persons. Htee Baw Kaw camp for internally displaced people. Kayin State in Myanmar, September 2024
Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) soldiers at the frontline. KNLA outpost in Kayin State, Myanmar, September 2024
A nurse from the Karen National Union (KNU) health services verifying medecines available at a KNLA unit at the frontline, Kayin State, Myanmar, September 2024
Karen mothers attending a training on healthcare and sanitation at a clinic run by the Karen National Union health administration. Kanele, Karen State, Myanmar, September 2024
KNLA soldier resting at a frontline position, Karen State, Myanmar, September 2024
A child from the Karen ethnic minority in Myanmar. Kanele Htaw IDP camp for displaced persons. Kayin State, Myanmar, September 2024
Malaria testing being carried out for Karen National Libaration (KNLA) soldiers on the frontline. Ka Ban Ye Plaw outpost, Kanele in Karen State, Myanmar, September 2024
A young girl from the Karen ethnic minority burning waste at a IDP camp for people displaced by the conflict in Myanmar. Htee Baw Kaw IDP camp for displaced people from nearby Wale town. Karen State, Burma, September 2024
Karen National Liberation Army trenches, Kanele in Kayin State, Myanmar, September 2024
Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) soldiers at a frontline. KNLA outpost in Kayin State, Myanmar, September 2024
Children playing volleyball as part as school activities in an IDP camp for displaced persons. The conflict in Myanmar has displaced more than 2,5 million people from their homes. Htee Baw Kaw camp in Kayin State, Myanmar, September 2024
A nurse from the Karen National Union health services carrying out a malaria test to KNLA soldiers on the frontline in Karen State, Myanmar, September 2024
Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) barracks at a frontline position in Karen State, Myanmar, September 2024
Clinic supported by the Karen National Union (KNU) health department. At this time of the year most patients are treated for dengue fever and malaria. Lae Gho in Karen State, Myanmar, September 2024
Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) soldiers at their barracks. KNLA outpost in Kayin State, Myanmar, September 2024
Karen National LIberation Army (KNLA) soldiers resting after returning from the frontline. Karen State, Myanmar, September 2024
Ethnic Karen girl at a camp for displaced people in Karen State, Myanmar, September 2024
KNLA soldier near a frontline position. Karen State, Myanmar, September 2024
Karen National LIberation Army (KNLA) soldier returning from the frontline. Frontline near Kanele in Karen State, Myanmar, September 2024
KNLA soldier resting at a frontline position, Karen State, Myanmar, September 2024
Karen National Liberation Army squad commander at a frontline position in Karen State in Myanmar, September 2024
KNLA soldier near a frontline position. Ka Ban Ye Plaw hill in Karen State, Myanmar, September 2024
