KNU land policy (English Version)

1.2.10 To establish the respective duties and roles for all of the relevant
and appropriate KNU departments and agencies – including
Karen Agriculture Department (KAD), Karen Forest Department
(KFD), Karen Fisheries Department (KFiD), Karen Mining
Department (KMD), Karen Interior Department (KID), and Karen
Justice Department (KJD) – with respect to this policy.
Article 1.3 Nature and scope
1.3.1 This policy establishes rules and regulations to support the just
and legitimate, peaceful and ecological governance of tenure of
land, forests, fisheries, water and related natural resources in
Kawthoolei.
1.3.2 The policy recognizes native peoples, customary village
communities and other long-standing residents of Kawthoolei
and their associated customary occupation, use and stewardship
practices with regard to land, forests, fisheries, water and
biodiversity.
1.3.3 This policy is to be interpreted and administered in a manner
consistent with international human rights principles and
standards. 2
2 This policy makes reference to various international human rights instruments
including, inter alia, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International
Conventions on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and on Civil and
Political Rights, as well as other relevant instruments such as the ILO Convention
No.169, the Convention on Biological Diversity, the UN Declaration on the
Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the Right to Food, the Right to Water, the UN
Principles on Housing and Property Restitution for Refugees and Displaced
Persons (the “Pinheiro Principles”), and the FAO-Tenure Guidelines.
8 Karen National Union (KNU)