By: Camp Correspondent
Rakhine State – February 27, 2025
The Arakan Army (AA), in collaboration with the United League of Arakan (ULA), distributed a limited amount of rice to Rohingya returnees in southern Maungdaw.
On the morning of February 25, 2025, nearly 1,000 Rohingya residents from Shwe Yin Aye and Pantawpyin villages received 98 sacks of rice. However, the aid is far from sufficient to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region.
The distribution was reportedly conducted without support from international organizations, as AA/ULA continues to block major aid agencies from assisting displaced Rohingya communities. A representative from the distribution team stated,
“We are using our own resources to help because we see the struggles people are facing in their daily lives.” However, many Rohingya returnees argue that this minimal assistance does little to resolve their worsening situation.
Insufficient Aid Amid Starvation Risks
In Shwe Yin Aye Village, approximately 200 people received 16 sacks of rice—providing each person with only enough rice for 10 days at a rate of two cups per person per day.
Meanwhile, in Pantawpyin Village, which consists of East, Central, West, and New Village, 82 sacks were distributed among nearly 800 residents.
A separate aid initiative was carried out by a Rohingya businessman from Maungdaw town, who donated one sack of rice to over 700 Rohingya families in the Hla Phoe Khaung relief camp in northern Maungdaw.
This was done with the approval of AA/ULA, further highlighting that humanitarian aid is being strictly controlled.
Calls for Unrestricted Humanitarian Access
Despite the small-scale rice distribution, thousands of Rohingya returnees in villages like Nyaung Chaung, Shwe Zar, Myo U, and Latha remain in desperate need. Many returnees are unable to find food due to extreme movement restrictions imposed by AA/ULA.
Without access to employment, markets, or sustainable aid, the risk of starvation among Rohingya communities continues to rise.
While AA has stated that relatives of displaced Rohingya can provide Zakat aid if they wish, residents argue that such measures are inadequate and that full access to humanitarian organizations is necessary to meet the needs of those affected.
A Rohingya resident expressed frustration, saying, “This rice is just a temporary solution. We need real support, not just symbolic handouts. We have no income, no jobs, and no proper aid. How long can we survive like this?”
Human rights organizations continue to call for an end to AA/ULA-imposed restrictions on international aid, warning that food shortages in Maungdaw and Buthidaung could soon reach catastrophic levels if urgent intervention is not allowed.
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