15/08/2026
BREAKING NEWS | Rohingya Women Reportedly Forcibly Recruited by AA
A large number of Rohingya women have reportedly been forcibly recruited by the Arakan Army (AA) across 14 townships in northern Rakhine State, according to local reports and villagers.
Reports allege that families have been pressured to provide recruits, including women from households without adult men. Some accounts also claim that girls under 18 have been recruited, raising serious concerns over child protection, education and freedom from forced recruitment.
Villagers further allege that Rohingya men and women have been subjected to forced labour and other forms of exploitation, and that civilians have been used as human shields during fighting between the AA and Myanmar military.
There are also allegations that forcibly recruited Rohingya women have been pressured to remove their hijab or scarf. If verified, such coercion would raise serious concerns regarding religious freedom, dignity and basic human rights.
No authority should force civilians to abandon their religious practices or place women and children at risk of exploitation or violence.
These are serious allegations requiring independent investigation by human rights organisations and relevant authorities.
Source: Local reports and accounts from villagers.
