The Arakan Army, an armed group operating in Myanmar’s western Rakhine State, has implemented repressive policies targeting the Rohingya minority, in violation of international law, Human Rights Watch (HRW) stated on Monday.
In its statement, the humanitarian organization described life for the Rohingya under the rule of the Arakan Army as “harsh and restrictive.” “The Arakan Army is carrying out policies of oppression against the Rohingya similar to those long imposed by the Myanmar military in Rakhine State,” said Elaine Pearson, Asia director at HRW.
The Arakan Army has faced accusations of genocide amid attempts to forcibly expel the Rohingya population. Rohingya communities under its control reportedly endure inhumane conditions, including severe restrictions on movement, arbitrary detention, and forced labor. Travel restrictions in areas controlled by the Arakan Army include the requirement of permits for travel that are only valid for one day. According to HRW, the permits cost between 3,000 and 5,000 kyat ($1.40-$2.40) each, and require signatures from the local Muslim administrator and either the Arakan Army or its political wing, the United League of Arakan.
The Rohingya, a predominantly Muslim ethnic group, have endured a long history of systemic persecution in Myanmar, including crimes against humanity, apartheid, and a denial of their very identity. Ongoing restrictions imposed by the Arakan Army on livelihoods and agriculture, combined with the junta’s blockade on humanitarian aid, have significantly exacerbated severe food shortages. As a result, over 400,000 people are internally displaced in Rakhine and Chin states, while up to 200,000 refugees have fled to Bangladesh.
The persecution of the Rohingya constitutes a grave violation of both international criminal law and international humanitarian law. It falls within the scope of Article 7 of the Rome Statute, which defines crimes against humanity, and Common Article 3 to the 1949 Geneva Conventions, which mandates the humane treatment of civilians without adverse distinction based on race, colour, religion or faith, or similar criteria. It explicitly prohibits “violence to life and person” and “outrages upon personal dignity” at all times and in all circumstances against protected individuals.
Over the past 18 months, the Arakan Army has made significant territorial advances against Myanmar’s junta, seizing control of much of northern Rakhine. In retaliation, the junta has launched airstrikes on towns and cities held by resistance forces. The Rohingya population has been trapped between the two warring sides, suffering widespread human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings, arson, and forced recruitment, at the hands of both the military and Arakan Army. In February, an Argentine court issued international arrest warrants for several military officials on charges of genocide against the Rohingya, citing universal jurisdiction. This followed a request by International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim Khan for an arrest warrant targeting Min Aung Hlaing, Myanmar’s military Commander-in-Chief.
