Arakan Army Accusations of Forced Labor, Discrimination, and Worsening Humanitarian Crisis in Rakhine State, Myanmar
A growing body of evidence details systematic abuses perpetrated by the Arakan Army (AA) in myanmar’s Rakhine State, including forced labor, movement restrictions, and discriminatory practices targeting the Rohingya population. These actions are exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation, pushing communities towards starvation and fueling further instability.
This report synthesizes recent testimonies gathered by Amnesty International and the World Food Program (WFP), alongside analysis of travel documentation, to provide a comprehensive overview of the escalating crisis. It examines the allegations against the AA,their responses,and the broader implications for the vulnerable populations of Rakhine State.
Systematic Forced Labor: A Pattern of Abuse
Multiple accounts paint a disturbing picture of widespread forced labor imposed by the Arakan Army.A 35-year-old Rohingya woman,recently arrived in Bangladesh after a perilous journey,described a system where every household was compelled to contribute labor,with individuals aged 10 to 70 routinely assigned tasks. This wasn’t isolated; one interviewee reported being forced to perform unpaid labor over ten times, under threat of violence.
“If anyone refused, they were beaten,” one man stated, highlighting the coercive nature of the AA’s demands. The forced labor wasn’t limited to men; women and even young children were conscripted for tasks like night guarding and general labor. Furthermore, reports indicate the forced recruitment of young men into the AA’s fighting forces. Those who attempted to resist faced threats of expulsion from the country or severe punishment.
These accounts align with international law, which defines forced labor as any work or service extracted under the threat of penalty, without voluntary consent. The AA’s actions clearly fall under this definition,constituting a serious violation of human rights.
Restrictions on Movement and Discriminatory Practices
beyond forced labor, the Arakan Army has implemented stringent restrictions on movement within Rakhine State. Amnesty International obtained travel documents demonstrating the need for paid permits to travel between locations, some valid for as little as two days. Interviewees reported limitations on the number of people allowed to leave their homes for essential errands, ofen restricted to a single hour.
Crucially, these restrictions appear to be applied discriminatorily.A 45-year-old Rohingya man who fled to Bangladesh in July 2025 reported that ethnic Rakhine people enjoyed freedom of movement and the right to fish, while Rohingya were systematically denied these basic rights.
“We were not allowed to fish or go to the river. We could not work or buy food,” he recounted. Attempts to circumvent these restrictions, such as fishing for survival, were met with brutal violence. He described being beaten with a rifle and having his catch confiscated by AA soldiers.
Arakan Army’s Response and Contradictions
responding to these allegations, Arakan Army representatives claimed they do not engage in forced labor against civilians, framing any work assigned as ”exercise” for detainees (criminals or prisoners of war) or “voluntary community work” following conflict. They also minimized the cost of travel permits, stating fees ranged from $1 to $1.50 USD.
Though, these claims are directly contradicted by the testimonies gathered. Moreover,the AA denies discriminatory practices,asserting that movement and livelihood restrictions apply equally to Rakhine communities and are necessary for security during the ongoing conflict. They also claim to provide jobs to the Rohingya and promise to protect their rights, citing the reopening of a mosque in Maungdaw as evidence.
these statements raise serious concerns about transparency and accountability. As Amnesty International’s Freeman points out, “They must avoid presenting one face to the international community and another to the Rohingya.” The discrepancy between the AA’s public pronouncements and the lived experiences of Rohingya communities demands independent inquiry.
Worsening Humanitarian Crisis: A Looming famine
The Arakan Army’s actions are occurring against a backdrop of a rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation. The World Food Programme (WFP) reported in August that a “deadly combination of conflict, blockades, and funding cuts” is driving a dramatic increase in hunger and malnutrition. In central Rakhine State, 57% of families are unable to meet their basic food needs - a significant increase from 33% in December 2024. The situation in northern Rakhine State, where international organizations have limited access, is believed to be even more severe.
The restrictions on movement and livelihood imposed by the AA directly contribute to this crisis, preventing Rohingya communities from accessing food, employment, and essential resources. The denial of fishing rights,a traditional
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