Ethnicity and Experiences of Conflict in Burma: An Informal Rountable Discussion

Matthew Walton will discuss ethnicity and differential experiences of suffering more broadly as well as the ways in which geography plays a role in mediating the effects of government/military repression. Dan Hkung will consider the Kachin struggle, a case of particular importance at present as the intensification of conflict in Kachin state has occurred alongside the widely praised "democratic" reforms of the new Burmese government. Paing Soe Hlaing will relate his own experiences of the challenges of negotiating mixed Mon-Burman heritage, whilst Karen Hargrave will share the perspectives of Mon friends and colleagues working to advance human rights for this ethnic population.