By Moe Nya / MPA
The Karen National Union (KNU), Myanmar’s oldest ethnic revolutionary organization, has announced it is drafting a new “Kawthoolei Charter” designed to guarantee the rights of all ethnic groups living within its vast territories.
Padoh Saw Hla Tun, the KNU’s Joint General Secretary (2), stated that the charter aims to establish a robust legal framework that reflects the current ground realities and aligns with modern democratic standards.
“We are drafting the Kawthoolei Charter because the Kawthoolei we wish to build must be based on a firm legal framework that is understood and supported by the public,” he said.
Crucially, the KNU leadership emphasized that the new charter would go beyond the interests of the Karen people alone. The administration intends to recognize, respect, and represent the rights of all diverse ethnic communities co-existing within KNU-controlled areas.
The organization says it is consulting with experts and relevant stakeholder groups to ensure the document is comprehensive.
Observers view this move as a significant step in the KNU’s evolution from a revolutionary organization to a governing body with state-like functions.
“This can be analyzed as a preparation to transition from the KNU organizational leadership to a State-level administrative system,” a political analyst told MPA. “They appear to be upgrading from the KNU Constitution to a broader ‘Kawthoolei State Charter’ that is more inclusive of all ethnicities.”
However, there are calls for transparency. A Karen youth activist emphasized the need for public engagement: “It would be best if they explain the charter to the public and listen to their feedback. A referendum or public opinion survey would be ideal.”
The KNU has stated that once the drafting process is complete, the charter will be officially presented to the public.
The concept of a “Kawthoolei Free State” dates back to 14 June 1949, when it was first declared by Karen leader Saw Ba U Gyi.
Today, the KNU operates a parallel government in its seven districts, complete with 14 departments managing sectors such as health, education, forestry, and the judiciary—systems that have been entrenched for decades.
