Even though Burma signed the UN's Human Rights Declaration 60 years ago, the ethnic regions of the country have not seen any improvement of human rights. Locals are afraid to use words, which relate to human rights in ethnic areas, said locals.

According to a Karenni local, "the military released porters after finishing the jobs in the past. However, they killed porters who could not walk or carry loads. Recently the situation has only worsened."

The Burmese Army commits human rights violations such as using forced labour, committing rape, seizing paddy fields, and using porters in Karenni State along with killing and torture.

"We cannot utter any words concerning human rights. We are afraid to say words which relate to human rights in our area," said a local who arrived on the border area.

If somebody talks about human rights, the person will be charged by the authorities. Therefore, locals live in fear. The locals are afraid to work with human rights groups. Again, human rights groups cannot enter Karenni State.

The VOA has said that "Tomas Ojea Quintana, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Burma is worried because Burmese authorities are threatening and taking action against human rights promoters and political activists in Burma."

The Karenni Social Welfare Development Committee (KSWDC) has been working to create human rights awareness and education and providing help in Karenni State, said a local.

The UN member nations signed the Human Rights Declaration on December 10, 60 years ago.