by Hafizur Rahman
October 25, 2025 — The United Nations has reported that both the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army (AA) have committed grave human rights violations against Rohingya and Rakhine civilians across Rakhine State.
According to a report released on October 20, 2025, by Thomas Andrews, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Myanmar, violence perpetrated by both armed actors has resulted in severe suffering, widespread displacement, and renewed waves of forced migration.
Between 2024 and 2025, an estimated 150,000 Rohingya refugees fled to Bangladesh to escape attacks. The report documented mass killings, arson, and sexual violence committed by Myanmar military forces in several areas, including Pyin Phyu and Ramree Island.
The Arakan Army (AA) was also accused of committing serious abuses, including arbitrary arrests, extrajudicial executions, and the burning of Rohingya villages. Satellite imagery cited in the report confirmed large-scale destruction in Than Htaung Khan village.
The UN findings further revealed that the AA has been coercing Rohingya civilians into joining its forces, extorting money from those attempting to flee, and imposing severe restrictions on movement and access to livelihoods.
While AA Commander-in-Chief Major General Tun Myat Naing denied the allegations, the report noted that the AA invited the UN Special Rapporteur to investigate the Than Htaung Khan massacre — an invitation yet to be acted upon.
Thomas Andrews called on the international community to take urgent steps to protect civilians and ensure accountability for all perpetrators of human rights violations in Myanmar. He emphasized that both the junta and the AA “must face consequences for their crimes against humanity and war crimes.”
The report reinforces growing global concern that civilians in Rakhine State — particularly Rohingya communities — continue to bear the heaviest toll amid renewed conflict and lawlessness.
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