Saferworld, in collaboration with the Karen Peace Support Network, recently conducted the largest randomised survey to date on people’s experiences and perceptions of security, justice and governance in southeast Myanmar. It provides unprecedented insights into the experiences of ordinary people in the highly contested Karen ceasefire areas, including in the Bago, Kayin, Mon and Tanintharyi villages.

This survey is based on 2020 individuals across 72 villages, of which 19% were government controlled, 20% Karen National Union (KNU) controlled and 61% under mixed control between the government, the KNU and several smaller armed groups. A completely randomised sampling method allowed for comparative analysis of security, justice and governance dynamics in these different areas. The survey’s report is entitled ‘Security, Justice and Governance in Southeast Myanmar: a Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Survey in Karen Ceasefire Areas’ and constitutes a unique evidence base to support more conflict-sensitive humanitarian and developmental assistance, and to support efforts to address the root causes of conflict and insecurity in the region.

Theo Hollander is Saferworld Myanmar’s security and justice adviser. He will present the survey’s findings and articulate possible alternative approaches for humanitarian, development and peacebuilding assistance, in particular for the European Union.

The presentation will be followed by an informal discussion with participants.

Participants are welcome to bring their own lunch and EPLO will provide tea and coffee.

Please note that seats are limited and registration is mandatory. Please contact Colin Cogitore if you would like to participate.