A/HRC/42/CRP.5 639. In 2012, the KNU signed the 2012 ceasefire with the Myanmar federal and state governments.1524 On 15 October 2015, the KNU signed the National Ceasefire Agreement (NCA).1525 This was a significant development that was envisioned as the beginning of a new era of peace for the Karen peoples. Indeed, since the signing of the NCA, the levels of violence have greatly decreased in Karen communities, but has not stopped. 1526 Nevertheless, by October 2018, the KNU announced its temporary suspension from the peace process due to its dissatisfaction over the negotiations.1527 Nonetheless, the KNU publically stated that it will continue to engage in informal meetings with government officials in an attempt to stay engaged in the process.1528 640. The KNU has said that the key reason for its suspension in the peace negotiations is the continued encroachment of Tatmadaw soldiers into KNU-controlled territory. According to the KNU, this has been occurring through a Tatmadaw-led road construction project and the consolidation of Tatmadaw bases. The KNU regards these activities to be a direct breach of the NCA, which prohibits the expansion of military infrastructure and troop reinforcements in ceasefire areas.1529 The Tatmadaw reportedly claims that these activities are not a breach of the NCA because there is no clear demarcation of KNU territory. The KNU, in return, regards the lack of such demarcations to be a road block to a meaningful peace process.1530 641. Despite the 2012 ceasefire, these reported incursions by the Tatmadaw on KNUcontrolled territory have led to renewed military confrontations between the Tatmadaw and the KNLA.1531 This has included Tatmadaw offensive operations in and near to Karen villages that have resulted in civilian injuries and other human rights concerns. Moreover, according to civil society groups covering the region, the construction of Tatmadaw bases and military consolidation activities themselves, through the fortification of bases, and the import of additional troops and supplies including weaponry, are causing other significant human rights concerns against Karen civilians by the Tatmadaw.1532 B. Recent Tatmadaw operations 642. In November 2017, Tatmadaw began the construction of a military road located within KNU-controlled territory in northern Karen State.1533 Some Tatmadaw soldiers acted as security guards for other Tatmadaw personnel tasked with the physical construction of the road.1534. Although the Tatmadaw claimed that the road would contribute to community development, the construction commenced without any consultation with the affected communities. The KNU rejected the project in multiple negotiations with the Tatmadaw, noting that the purpose of the road was entirely for the 1524 1525 1526 1527 1528 1529 1530 1531 1532 1533 1534 170 LM-038, LM-052. See also: Thee Myanmar Times, “Govt, KNU sign ceasefire” (16 January 2012). BBC, “Burma government signs ceasefire with Karen rebels” (12 January 2012). LM-034, LM-036, LM-038, Antoni Slodkowski, “Myanmar signs ceasefire with eight armed groups” (Reuters, 15 October 2015), Karen News, “KNU to Sign Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement” (16 August 2015). Saferworlds, Security, justice and governance in South East Myanmar: A knowledge, attitudes and practices survey in Karen ceasefire areas (January 2019), The Asia Foundation, Ceasefires, Governance, and Development: The Karen National Union in Times of Change (December, 2016). LM-032, LM-036, LM-050, LM-052. See also, Ye Mon, “Karen National Union suspends participation in peace talks” (Frontier Myanmar, 29 October 2018). LM-032, LM-036, LM-038, LM-050, LM-052. See also, Radio Free Asia, “Karen National Union Says Myanmar Peace Process is Moving in The Wrong Direction” (3 January 2019). LM-036, LM-050, LM-052 LM-036, LM-038, LM-040 LM-032, LM-038, LM-050 LM-040, Karen Peace and Support Network, The Nightmare Returns: Karen Hopes for Peace and Stability Dashed by Burma Army’s Actions (April 2018). LM-037, LM-052, FFFGEN-1-84322; Sally Kantar, "Military road defies Myanmar national ceasefire, fuels insecurity" (Al Jazeera, 12 September 2019) LI-191, LI-193