Myanmar: Fortify Rights says Arakan Army subjecting ethnic minorities to forced labour

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 Aun…

Myanmar: Fortify Rights says Arakan Army subjecting ethnic minorities to forced labour

The Arakan Army in Myanmar’s Rakhine State is forcing ethnic minorities, including Rohingya and Hindu civilians, into unpaid labour under threat of violence and detention, Fortify Rights said on Thursday, warning that the practice may amount to war crimes under international law. In a new report covering incidents between November 2024 and October 2025, the human rights organisation said survivors described being forced at gunpoint to carry ammu…