London, UK – Burma Human Rights Network calls on the Arakan Army to cease fighting in and near civilian areas. On 26 January, clashes between the Burmese military and the Arakan Army resulted in several casualties in Hpon Nyo Leik, Buthidaung Township. Villagers have said that the Arakan Army launched their attack against the Burmese military from the Rohingya village, drawing fire from the Burmese military against civilians. As many as 40 homes were destroyed, several were injured, and there are reports of deaths of many Rohingya civilians. Several sources report difficulty contacting Buthidaung because of poor connectivity, possibly part of a communication blackout by the Burmese military.
“The Arakan Army announced an intensified campaign in Arakan State, and we are distraught that more incidents like this will take place in the coming weeks. Civilian areas can not be used to stage attacks, house soldiers, or provide cover during clashes. The Arakan Army must respect human life and international law,” said BHRN’s Executive Director, Kyaw Win.
Hpon Nyo Leik is between an AA mountain base and a Burmese military encampment. In a similar event in November 2019, a Rohingya villager was killed, and three others were injured in Hpon Nyo Leik during a clash between the Arakan Army and the Burmese military. More recently, on 29 December 2023, shelling and clashes in Zay Di Taung, Buthidaung Township, killed 10 Rohingya and injured 17 others. A pattern has emerged throughout the conflict where Rohingya villages are caught in the middle of fighting. Reports have emerged from these incidents that Rohingya villages were used to stage attacks by the Arakan Army, drawing fire from the Burmese military. The Geneva Convention, articles 28 and 49, prohibit using civilian areas to prevent reprisal attacks. This law is especially pertinent as the Rohingya are denied freedom of movement and, in many cases, are afraid to flee. The Burmese willingness to indiscriminately attack these areas violates Article 57 of the Geneva Convention, prohibiting militaries from indiscriminate attacks on civilians without discernment. The Burmese military and the Arakan Army must follow the provisional measures set by the International Court of Justice ordering the prevention of any acts in violation of the Convention on Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.
Burma Human Rights Network calls on all armed groups to cease all operations in civilian areas, especially as the conflict escalates. The Burmese military must end all indiscriminate attacks on civilian areas. The international community must make clear to all armed groups that they are accountable to international law and must consider their future standing with the global community if or when any military and political transition occurs in the country. Full access for humanitarian organizations must be permitted in the impacted areas, and communication access must be restored to the region. With the escalating fighting, the world must be prepared to respond to more displaced persons.
Organisation’s Background
BHRN is based in London and operates across Burma/Myanmar working for human rights, minority rights and religious freedom in the country. BHRN has played a crucial role in advocating for human rights and religious freedom with politicians and world leaders.
Media Enquiries
Please contact:
Kyaw Win
Executive Director
Burma Human Rights Network (BHRN)
E: kyawwin@bhrn.org.uk
T: +44(0) 740 345 2378
