Forced Labour by Arakan Army Continues in Northern Maungdaw

by Hafizur Rahman

Maungdaw, October 24, 2025 — The Arakan Army (AA) continues to force Rohingya civilians into unpaid labour in several villages across northern Maungdaw Township, according to local residents.

Villagers said that around 175 Rohingya people from five villages—Pwint Phyu Chaung, U Shwe Kyet, Kyet Yo Pyin, Ngasar Kyu, and Ngan Chaung—were recently forced by AA troops to clear forests along both sides of the main road connecting Aung Mingalar village, where a large AA base is located, to the Kyikan Pyin headquarters in the Phaw Wat Chaung area.

The villagers were reportedly ordered to cut and clear trees along a 100-foot-wide stretch on each side of the road and were told to continue working until the task was complete.

“When AA soldiers come, they force us to work under the hot sun all day,” one villager told Rohingya Khobor. “We become exhausted, but they don’t allow us to rest even for a few minutes.”

Another villager said, “We are not given food or water during the work. Some people fainted because of the heat, but the soldiers told us to keep working.”

A third resident added, “They say this work is for security reasons, but they treat us like slaves. Refusing could put our families in danger.”

Human rights organizations have condemned such acts as violations of international law. Forced labour is prohibited under the International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions, which Myanmar has ratified.

Reports from rights groups and local sources indicate that the AA has been involved in a range of abuses in Rohingya areas, including forced labour, discrimination, drug smuggling, and human trafficking.

Analysts say the AA, once known as an ethnic armed group fighting for Rakhine autonomy, has increasingly turned into a force committing widespread human rights violations.

Human rights activists have urged international bodies to investigate the AA’s abuses and hold its leaders accountable for crimes against Rohingya, Hindus, and other minorities in Rakhine State.

A recent report by Fortify Rights, published on October 22, 2025, confirmed that the AA has forced minority civilians to work in hazardous construction and military projects—acts that could amount to war crimes under international law.