Statement of Karen Women Organization’ Second Central Standing Committee Meeting of the 5th Congress 

30th January 2012

The Karen Women Organization held its second Central Standing Committee’s meeting after the 5th congress from 26th to 28th January, 2012. 40 representatives of 7 districts of Karen state and refugee camps, and special guests participated at the meeting which was held on the Thai-Burma border.

The meeting reviewed and improved KWO’s constitution, policies on different issues, management structure and implementation of tasks at all levels. KWO also plans to raise awareness about the possible refugee repatriation process in the refugee community and to advocate for women and refugee participation in the process.

The on-going peace process was discussed, analyzed and representatives decided to participate in the Karen peace process as KWO believes that women’s participation is important.

In accordance with UNSCR 1325 to ensure women’s participation in the peace process, KWO formed a peace committee to represent the needs, concerns and suggestions of women and children and to ensure women’s voices are heard and recognized during the peace process.

The KWO was formed since 1949 and currently have 49,000 members. We mainly work on women’s capacity building, the special needs of women and children, documenting human rights violations and advocating justice for women who have been sexually abused by the Burmese military along with other woman related issues.

Contact:

1. Nan Dah Eh Kler – 66-857269291
2. Naw Htoo Paw – 66-811824018