A boy flanked by KNLA soldiers at the rebel group's headquarters during Revolution Day,
Karen state, Burma (Brennan O'Connor)

KNLA and DKBA soldiers compete in a bare knuckle Burmese boxing competition,
during Karen New Year in 6th Brigade, Karen state, Burma (Brennan O'Connor)

KNLA Special Forces soldiers shower at their camp in 6th Brigade area, Karen state,
Burma (Brennan O'Connor)

Dancers wait for Karen New Year to begin in a village in the KNLA's 6th Brigade area,
Karen state, Burma (Brennan O'Connor)

A dancer waits to perform during Karen New Year in a village in Karen state, Burma
(Brennan O'Connor)

A dancer holds a stage curtain in place for a performance during Karen New Year in
Burma (Brennan O'Connor)

A child is caught in a dust storm at Karen New Year in the KNLA's 6th Brigade area,
Karen state, Burma (Brennan O'Connor)

A house in a village in the KNLA's 6th Brigade area, Karen state, Burma
(Brennan O'Connor)

School children pray in a village in the KNLA's 6th Brigade area, Karen state, Burma
(Brennan O'Connor)

KNLA Special Forces wait to meet with officials from the Democratic Karen Buddhist
Army in 6th Brigade area, Karen state, Burma (Brennan O'Connor)

For as long as most can remember, the sound of gunfire has been a constant echo in Karen state. Generations have come and gone as the war raged on. For over 60 years, countless people have been killed, raped, tortured, maimed by landmines and forced to fight.

After a recent ceasefire agreement was reached between the Karen National Union and the government the guns are finally quiet. But for how long?

History has shown us that previous ceasefires did not necessarily improve life for the average person.  In some instances Burmese soldiers harassed the population even more.

Since the elections, the fighting between the KNU’s armed wing, the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), and government soldiers has increased. The shifting battleground has been detrimental for the region’s agriculture, forcing many farmers fleeing the conflict to abandon their crops. This production shortage has sparked a food crisis.

Sometimes when life is hard, dreams are simple.  The Karen, like many of the other ethnic minorities, want to harvest their rice without fearing intimidation. They want their children to go to school. Thousands, who have languished for decades in overcrowded Thai  refugee camps, or were resettled by the UN to third countries, have kept their faith that one day they will see their homeland again.

Now, for the first time in the KNU’s history, they have agreed to a formal ceasefire. What will this mean for the new generation? Will their young hopes and dreams finally be fulfilled?