15/08/2026
More Than 450 Rohingya Women Reportedly Forcibly Recruited by AA in Rakhine
Rohingya Daily News l 14 August 2026
More than 450 Rohingya women have reportedly been forcibly recruited by the Arakan Army (AA) across 14 townships under its control in northern Rakhine State, according to local reports.
The reports allege that Rohingya families have faced pressure to provide recruits, with households without adult men reportedly being required to provide a woman. Poorer families are said to have been particularly affected, while wealthier households could reportedly avoid recruitment by paying money.
Among those reportedly taken are girls under the age of 18, raising serious concerns over access to education and the protection of children from forced recruitment. Reports also allege that recruited Rohingya women face restrictions affecting their religious practices and clothing.
The reported recruitment involves Rohingya women from areas including Maungdaw, Buthidaung, Rathedaung, Minbya and Thandwe, among others.
If verified, the reported forced recruitment of women and minors would raise serious concerns under international human rights and humanitarian law. International organizations and relevant authorities should investigate the allegations and take steps to protect civilians from forced recruitment.
