Victoria's Karen communities commemorate the 72nd anniversary of Karen National Day

More than 300 Karen people attended the commemoration of Karen National Day.

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This is a day Karen people demanded their own homeland, equality and the end of civil war in Myanmar/Burma.

Victoria Karen Communities Network Group (VKCNG), Karen National Day, Eastern Melbourne, 29/2/2020 Source: Shah Paung/SBS Karen

The event took place at Croydon Hills, a suburb in eastern Melbourne, Australia, on February 29th.

Timothy Ehklokwe, Chairperson of Eastern Karen Community Association of Victoria Inc. interview with SBS Karen Program. Source: Shah Paung/SBS Karen

The Karen National Day annually falls on February 11th and it is marked as an important day for the Karen people around the world, since 1948, the year Myanmar gained independence.

Karen culture show at the Karen National Day. Source: Shah Paung/SBS Karen

The event was organised by Victoria Karen Communities Network Group (VKCNG) and hosted by Eastern Karen Community Association of Victoria Inc (EKCAV).

Local authorities attending the Karen National Day. Source: Shah Paung/SBS Karen

Timothy Ehklokwe, head of the EKCAV and member of VKCNG said that they have two main objectives of holding the event.

Karen traditional hand weaving show. Source: Shah Paung/SBS Karen

One is an activity to show their support for the Karen people struggling for freedom and equality and another one is to connect and work together with all Karen communities living in Australia.

Young Karen girls looking at SBS Karen Program postcard. Source: Shah Paung/SBS Karen

The event that was held from 11 am to 2 pm was also attended by local authorities and other charity organizations as well as representatives from Victorian Multicultural Commission.

Australian Karen Organisation show room. Source: Shah Paung/SBS Karen

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Karen girls attending the Karen National Day. Source: Shah Paung/SBS Karen