KNU establishes Kawthoolei governing councils following ratification of federal charter

Mizzima

The Karen National Union (KNU) officially announced on 10 April, 2026, the ratification of the Kawthoolei Charter, a landmark document designed to govern the Karen territories during the revolutionary period and beyond. The Charter was approved following three days of intensive deliberations held from 31 March to 2 April, focusing on the construction of a Kawthoolei Federal Unit.

To implement the mandates of the new Charter, the KNU has established two primary bodies: the Kawthoolei Consultative Council (KCC) and the Kawthoolei Governing Council (KGC).

The KCC is tasked with providing technical support, policy guidance, and strengthening local representation. Meanwhile, the KGC will oversee administrative functions across eight departments, including a newly created Department of Women, Youth, and Children’s Affairs, aimed at ensuring governance meets international standards of inclusivity and accountability. The Charter includes five groups of representatives: central and district-level officials from the KNU; youth, women, and ethnic representatives from each district who oppose the military coup and support the Charter; and representatives elected at the state and regional levels in the 2020 elections who also support the Charter. The KNU stated that, based on this Charter, it will continue to implement the Kawthoolei Federal Unit with democratic principles and the right to self-determination, bringing together representatives from seven districts under its political leadership. Following the ratification of the Charter, the Kawthoolei Consultative Council (KCC) and the Kawthoolei Governing Council (KGC) were formed. The KCC will provide guidance, advice, and technical support to strengthen local representation in the development of the federal unit. The Kawthoolei Governing Council is composed of eight departments, including the newly established Department of Women, Youth, and Children’s Affairs. Its role is to strengthen the capacity and participation of these departments and ensure that governance aligns with good governance standards. The Charter also allows for the formation of a Review and Amendment Committee under Chapter 3, Paragraph 11, to revise and adapt the Charter in response to rapidly evolving conditions during the revolutionary period.

According to the statement, the draft of the Kawthoolei Charter took about two years to complete. It began with an initial draft prepared by the KNU central drafting team in December 2023 and was refined over time.