London, UK -- Fighting between the Burmese army and the ethnic armed organization, Arakan Army, continues to worsen as clashes spread throughout Rakhine State. Notably, BHRN has observed a sharp increase in the use of landmines, artillery, helicopters, jets used in the fighting which have frequently injured or killed civilians, while displacing several more. The region is one of the poorest in the country and the ethnic Rohingya population there have faced shortages on food and aid since before the fighting began due to the government restriction.
“The fighting in Northern Rakhine State continues with no end in sight. The combatants are eager to continue but the civilian population desperately needs a ceasefire and full access to aid. The international community cannot stand by and allow the humanitarian crisis the conflict is creating to continue and must use all their power to bring all sides to negotiate an end to hostilities”, said BHRN’s Executive Director, Kyaw Win.
In recent days, BHRN has received reports of heavy fighting in Kyauktaw, Mrauk U, Paletwa (Chin State), Minbya, Myebon, and Rathedaung Township. The fighting has involved the use of artillery and bombardment from fighter jets and helicopters. Deaths and injuries have been reported and the civilian population has found themselves trapped with uncertainty about where to safely flee. Rohingya in these areas are especially at risk due to cruel and discriminatory travel restrictions against them.
The conflict comes after the International Court of Justice ordered provisions on Burma to cease all activities which would continue genocidal efforts against the Rohingya. The use of heavy weapons in civilian areas, restriction on aid, and the inability for Rohingya to freely and safely flee conflict clearly represent a continuation of policies by the Burmese military which intentionally harms or destroys the Rohingya in whole or in part. They also show a dramatic increase in efforts to harm the ethnic Rakhine and other populations in attempts to stop civilian support for the Arakan Army.
Fighting in Northern Rakhine State Continues to Devastate Civilians
