The Karen National Union (KNU) is a political and military organization representing the interests of the Karen people, an ethnic group in Myanmar. Founded in 1947, the KNU aims to achieve greater autonomy and rights for the Karen community, advocating for self-determination and cultural preservation. The organization has been involved in armed conflict with the Myanmar government, seeking to address issues of discrimination and land rights. The KNU operates primarily in the Karen State and has established a network of local governance and social services. It is part of a broader movement of ethnic armed groups in Myanmar, working towards peace and political solutions amid ongoing conflicts in the region.