An older sibling prays for her 25-year-old sister who is being treated for injuries sustained from mortar shrapnel on December 27, 2012 in Kachin State. The 25-year-old mother of two was working on a watermelon plantation when two Burmese Army mortar grenades landed near her and three other villagers. Two other civilians were wounded in the same attack and one village militiaman working to fix his farming tractor was killed.
People in Kachin State in Burma continue to endure devastating violence and human rights abuses. With limited humanitarian assistance available, local groups like the Kachin Women’s Association of Thailand are responding.
Open Society Foundations activities in Southeast Asia aim to help Burma transition to an open society and support efforts by civil society groups in other countries in the region to improve human rights, promote good governance, strengthen media freedoms, and effectively participate in initiatives such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
People in Kachin State in Burma continue to endure devastating violence and human rights abuses. With limited humanitarian assistance available, local groups like the Kachin Women’s Association of Thailand are responding.
Despite positive developments in Burma, the country remains mired in conflict. These photographs present a snapshot of life in Burma today, highlighting the causes for hope and progress and the immense challenges that remain.
The United States should take a hard look at how its foreign aid is being used to support detention centers where people suspected of using drugs are detained, beaten, and humiliated in the name of public health.
