Arakan Army Accused of Oppressing Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar’s Rakhine State

Arakan Army Accused of Oppressing Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar’s Rakhine State
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Human Rights Watch has detailed severe oppression of Rohingya Muslims by the Arakan Army (AA) in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, despite the ethnic armed group’s pledges of inclusive governance, HRW reported. The AA is accused of imposing harsh restrictions and committing grave abuses that mirror atrocities previously perpetrated by the Myanmar military.
Reports from Rohingya refugees who have fled to Bangladesh indicate widespread movement restrictions, preventing them from working, fishing, or farming without permission, leading to acute food shortages. The AA’s actions include pillage, arbitrary detention, mistreatment, and unlawful forced labor and recruitment, including children. These practices contribute to significant communal tensions and exacerbate the plight of over 400,000 internally displaced people and 200,000 refugees who have fled to Bangladesh.
Additionally, the Arakan Army has reportedly confiscated property, demolished a graveyard, and subjected detainees to severe mistreatment, often accusing them of collaborating with opposing forces. Some Rohingya have been forced into dangerous labor, at times being used as “human shields.” The human rights organization also noted that both the AA and Rohingya armed groups profit from smuggling networks facilitating the exodus to Bangladesh, with refugees paying substantial fees for their journeys.