May 25, 2025
RHRC-Rohingya civilians in Arakan State, Myanmar, are facing increasing abuse under Arakan Army (AA) control. Recent reports reveal cases of trafficking, sexual violence, forced conscription, and arbitrary arrests.
Rohingya woman raped after failing to pay human trafficking fee to AA operative.
A Rohingya woman was taken from Rathedaung Township, Arakan State, Myanmar specifically from Buthidaung areas to Shamila AA’s control areas by a human trafficker of Buddhist terrorist group Arakan Army (AA). Promised to save passage to Malaysia through the Myanmar river in exchange for 20 lakhs kyat. According to a Rohingya teacher report named Mr Akram Ullah, the trafficker sent only those who could pay the full 20 lakhs Myanmar kyat. But unfortunately the Rohingya woman, unable to pay the amount, was kept in Shamila by the Buddhist group AA’s human trafficker and repeatedly pressured for money. When she could not pay the money, the trafficker forcibly used her like a wife, raped her many times.
This horrific abuse highlights the brutal crimes being committed by the AA’s human trafficker. Reports were made to the Arakan Press Network to raise international awareness of these crimes.
Families left in fear and abducted youths from Maungdaw.
In Maungdaw Township, at least thirty Rohingya youths from Shwe Zar village were reportedly abducted by the Arakan Army (AA) following the group’s complete takeover of the area. The youths were taken away forcibly for military training. A relative of one of the abductees told the Arakan Tribune, their whereabouts remain unknown. He added, “We don’t even know whether they are alive or dead, or anything about their current situation.” Other villages have reported similar disappearances as the AA expands control and forcibly recruits Rohingya youths.
Fishermen detained by AA troops after fishing near their homes
On the night of May 20, three Rohingya fishermen were arrested in Tha Chaung village, Kyauk Ladkar, by an AA patrol. While returning from their shrimp pond, they were intercepted and taken by a group of 15 AA soldiers. Their fish were confiscated, and the men were detained without explanation. Villagers reported they have not been released as of May 22, leaving their families without a source of livelihood and in urgent need of their return.
Therefore, these incidents reflect a growing trend of human rights abuses under AA’s control in Rakhine State. Human trafficking, sexual violence, forced recruitment, and arbitrary arrests against the Rohingya must be condemned, and urgent international intervention is required to protect vulnerable populations.
