On the occasion of the 75th Karen Martyrs’ Day, Asia Young Indigenous Peoples Network (AYIPN) stands in firm solidarity with the Karen people around the world as they honor the memory of Saw Ba U Gyi and all Karen martyrs — women, men, elders, and youth — who gave their lives in the struggle for freedom, dignity, and self-determination.
We remember not only the first president of the Karen National Union, but also every Karen person whose courage and sacrifice continue to illuminate the path toward genuine liberation.
Seventy-five years have passed since Saw Ba U Gyi declared, “Surrender is out of the question; We shall decide our own political destiny.” These words, alongside the stories of countless martyrs, remain a living call to action for Karen youth and Indigenous youth everywhere: to safeguard our cultures, defend our ancestral lands, and shape our collective futures despite repression and violence.
At a time when Indigenous communities across Asia still face displacement, militarization, and the denial of our rights, Karen youth embody the strength, creativity, and persistence that are vital to carrying forward the struggles of past generations. Their role is not only to remember history, but to actively build the just and peaceful future their martyrs dreamed of — one rooted in self-determination and democracy.
May the legacy of the Karen martyrs inspire Indigenous youth across Asia to continue walking the path of courage, unity, and hope until freedom is won for all.
Long live the Martyrs of Karen!
Long live the struggle for self-determination and liberation!
