A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science, School of Environment, Resources and Development

Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2006

Internal displacement is one of the most tragic phenomena of the contemporary world, affecting some 25 million people worldwide. The internal displacement affects mainly ethnic minority groups. Myanmar is a county of great ethnic diversity, comprising of diverse ethnic nationalities with distinct languages. Because of the outbreak of the conflict between ethnic minority and military government, internal displacement is inevitable in Myanmar. This study focuses the impacts of displacements on displaced persons from Karen, an ethnic group in Myanmar. The study provides how the changes are occurred on ethnic minority displaced persons residing in relocated sites, in terms of gender roles and relations. The findings also include the issues of mobility, livelihood activities and problems, effects on their families and crucial needs of men and women for their survival. These are based on the major findings of the research obtained through in-depth interviews and field observation at study area, one of the SPDC relocation site in Dawai Township, Union of Myanmar. This study gives highlights for attention on real situations of internal displacement issues. It is hoped to find means and ways to assist internally displaced people