AA for Targeting Civilians, Call for UN Action

The Arakan Rohingya National Council (ARNC) and allied Rohingya organizations have issued a strong condemnation of the Arakan Army (AA) for systematically targeting Rohingya civilians in Arakan State, Myanmar. These attacks have caused severe suffering, displacement, and violations of international humanitarian and human rights law, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis.

Background

The Arakan Army, an ethnic armed group claiming to represent the Rakhine Buddhist population, has been engaged in a prolonged conflict with the Myanmar military. However, multiple credible reports—including those from Rohingya civil society and international observers—have documented the AA’s involvement in violent attacks against Rohingya villages and communities. Such actions include indiscriminate shelling, forced displacement, and other abuses that constitute grave violations of civilians’ rights.

The Rohingya, already victims of genocide and ethnic cleansing at the hands of the Myanmar military since 2016–2017, now face further threats from non-state armed actors. This multidimensional violence severely undermines peace efforts and deepens the region’s instability.

ARNC’s Call for Accountability

In a recent statement, the ARNC called on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to urgently investigate the role of the Arakan Army in perpetrating crimes against humanity against Rohingya civilians. The council urged the UNSC to:
• Hold the AA accountable for all violations under international law, including war crimes and crimes against humanity.
• Support mechanisms for independent monitoring and reporting of human rights abuses in Arakan State.
• Ensure that all parties to the conflict respect international humanitarian law and protect civilians.

According to ARNC spokesperson,

“The Arakan Army’s violent campaign against Rohingya civilians is a grave injustice and a barrier to peace. The international community must act decisively to hold all perpetrators accountable and uphold the rights of the Rohingya people.”

Impact on Rohingya Communities

The attacks by the Arakan Army have intensified forced displacement, causing thousands of Rohingya to flee their homes once again—this time not only from the Myanmar military but also due to insecurity caused by armed groups. Civilians face disruptions to access to food, healthcare, education, and shelter. Women and children remain particularly vulnerable to violence and exploitation in these conflict zones.

This layered conflict complicates humanitarian assistance efforts and prolongs the Rohingya’s suffering, who have been denied citizenship and fundamental rights by the Myanmar government for decades.

International Response Needed

Human rights advocates emphasize the necessity of a comprehensive international response that addresses all actors responsible for violence in Arakan State. While the Myanmar military remains the primary perpetrator of the Rohingya genocide, the accountability gap surrounding armed groups like the Arakan Army must also be addressed to prevent further atrocities.

The ARNC’s appeal to the UN Security Council is a critical step toward expanding global recognition of the complex realities faced by Rohingya civilians and ensuring that justice mechanisms reflect these challenges.

For more information, see the original report at: aa.com.tr/en/africa/rohi…

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