April 21, 2026
RHRC – Five Rohingya individuals from Maungdaw Township, recently released under an amnesty on April 17, are currently stranded in Sittwe Township under difficult conditions. The group—comprising four women from Mingalar Gyi and Kyauk Hlay Kar villages and one man—was transferred from Yangon Prison to Thae Chaung village by military authorities.
They were instructed to temporarily stay with relatives until conditions allow their return to Maungdaw and Buthidaung. However, with limited resources and no structured support, they are struggling to meet basic needs. Local community assistance, while ongoing, remains insufficient.
Escalating “Human Tax” on Rohingya Fleeing Buthidaung
Rohingya civilians attempting to flee Buthidaung Township are facing severe financial exploitation. Reports indicate that individuals are being forced to pay between 800,000 and 1 million kyats per person at Maungdaw entry gates and immigration checkpoints.
Additional financial burdens include:
- 50,000 kyats per person at multiple checkpoints along the route
- Monthly household taxes imposed since July 2025:
- Huts: 3,000 kyats
- Wooden houses: 5,000 kyats
- Concrete houses: up to 10,000 kyats
Failure to pay these fees reportedly results in arrest and detention. At the same time, ongoing restrictions, forced displacement, and coercion are pushing many Rohingya to flee through unsafe and irregular migration routes. Trafficking networks are reportedly exploiting this desperation, facilitating movement toward Bangladesh, Malaysia, and beyond.
Landmine Explosion Leaves Rohingya Fisherman Critically Injured
On April 16, a Rohingya man lost his right leg after stepping on a landmine while fishing along the Myanmar side of the Naf River, near the Bangladesh border.
The victim sustained severe injuries and is currently receiving treatment at Sittwe General Hospital. His condition remains critical due to heavy blood loss, and urgent medical support is needed.
This incident highlights the continued threat of landmines in border areas, posing serious risks to civilians relying on these مناطق for survival.
Kidnapping Incident Raises Alarm in Cox’s Bazar Camps
A Rohingya যুবক who had been abducted in Ukhia, Cox’s Bazar, was released on April 15 after his family paid a ransom. He was found tied up near a television tower in Camp No. 7 and later rescued by local residents.
The victim is currently receiving treatment at an MSF facility and remains under observation.
This incident underscores growing insecurity within refugee camps, including increased risks of kidnapping and organized criminal activity. Community members are urged to remain vigilant, particularly regarding the safety of children and movement during nighttime.
