The United Nations and international human rights organizations, along with the global community, are closely monitoring whether the Arakan Army (AA) is forcibly recruiting child soldiers, according to reports.
In the final stages of the Arakan war, the Arakan Army (AA) has seized control of most towns in the Arakan region, including the Paletwa area, and is establishing administrative mechanisms under the Arakan People’s Revolutionary Government.
During the town-capturing battles, international organizations, including the United Nations Human Rights Council, are closely monitoring whether the Arakan Army (AA) is engaging in forced conscription, including the recruitment of minorities such as the Muslims and underage children.
Reports have emerged alleging that the ULA/AA forcibly conscripts Muslims and other minorities into military service. Additionally, concerns about the forced recruitment of underage children are under close observation, according to a United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) monitor overseeing the human rights situation in Myanmar, who spoke to Border News Agency.
The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has urged the Arakan Army (AA) to provide legal protection to all ethnic and religious minorities residing in the diverse Arakan region, including the Arakan-Bangladesh border areas, which are now fully controlled by the AA. Additionally, the council has emphasized monitoring to ensure there are no instances of forced conscription within the region.
Additionally, it is reported that close monitoring is being conducted to assess whether there have been violations of human rights or war crimes committed against Muslims, including forced displacement and conscription. Observers are also documenting the human rights situation under the Arakan Army (AA) with plans to submit reports to relevant bodies.
As a result, international observers are closely monitoring whether members of the Arakan Army (AA) and the United League of Arakan (ULA) government respect fundamental human rights, including the protection of children, women, pregnant individuals, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. These actions are under scrutiny to ensure compliance with international humanitarian standards.
”Reports of alleged human rights violations committed by some members of the AA during the Buthidaung and Maungdaw clashes have been received. The AA needs to respect and adhere to international laws. All AA activities are under close observation,” an international diplomat told Border News Agency.
During the decisive Arakan war, the Arakan Army (AA) has taken full control of several townships, including Paletwa and major towns such as Maungdaw, Buthidaung, Rathedaung, Ponnakyun, Kyauktaw, Mrauk-U, Minbrar, Myaybon, Pauktaw, Rambre, Thandwe, Taunggoke, and Ann.
In addition, the Arakan Army (AA) is intensifying its efforts to capture Gwa Township, while ongoing tensions are also reported in Sittwe, Kyaukphyu, and Manaung townships, with escalating tensions between both sides, according to local people in Arakan.
The Arakan Army (AA) consistently maintains a combat force of over 50,000 fighters, and nearly 100,000 individuals have received military training. According to local people in Arakan, all villagers in the region have participated in basic military training for the purpose of village defense, which is provided as part of their training program.
Under international humanitarian law (IHL), armed conflicts are required to ensure the protection of civilians and provide them with safety. Forcible recruitment of civilians is considered a war crime, as it violates the protection of non-combatants in conflict situations.
