In a unified statement, a coalition of Rohingya organizations has called for justice, equality, peaceful coexistence, and inclusive governance in Arakan (Rakhine) State, following the Arakan Army’s (AA) recent consolidation of control over Maungdaw and Buthidaung Townships in northern Arakan State.
The statement highlights the urgent need for the Arakan Army and its political wing, the United League of Arakan (ULA), to uphold the rights of all communities, including the Rohingya, and to end ongoing human rights violations, said a media statement on Monday.
Signed by 28 Rohingya organizations, the statement condemns the Burmese military’s long-standing “divide and rule” tactics that have fueled mistrust, prolonged conflict, and exploited the region’s resources.
It holds the AA/ULA responsible for ensuring the rights and security of all communities in Arakan State and urges immediate cessation of human rights abuses, including the reported burning of Rohingya homes, forced displacement, and extrajudicial killings.
The coalition calls on the AA/ULA to recognize the Rohingya as equal stakeholders in Arakan State and to engage in meaningful dialogue with Rohingya leaders locally, in refugee camps, and within the diaspora.
It further demands the establishment of an inclusive interim consultative committee to promote trust and ensure equal representation in governance.
The statement also draws attention to the looming humanitarian crisis in Arakan State, warning of a potential famine that could affect two million people irrespective of race or religion.
It calls for coordinated efforts to address the crisis and ensure equitable distribution of aid.
Justice and accountability are highlighted as crucial to Arakan State’s future.
The detention of Brigadier-General Thurein Tun, implicated in severe human rights abuses, is seen as an opportunity for international investigations by the International Criminal Court (ICC) and other agencies to hold perpetrators accountable.
To pave the way for a peaceful and prosperous Arakan State, the coalition outlines specific measures for the AA/ULA.
The statement concludes by urging the AA/ULA to act decisively in creating a unified Arakan State where all communities can coexist peacefully. This critical juncture offers an opportunity to build a future based on justice, equality, and shared prosperity.
The statement was signed by Arakan Rohingya Development Association – Australia, Arakan Rohingya National Organisation (ARNO), Arakan Rohingya Union (ARU), Australia Burmese Rohingya Organisation, British Rohingya Community UK, Burmese Rohingya Association in Japan (BRAJ), Burmese Rohingya Association in Queensland – Australia (BRAQA), Burmese Rohingya Association of North Americans (BRANA), Burmese Rohingya Community in Denmark (BRCD), Burmese Rohingya Community Netherlands (BRCNL), Burmese Rohingya Community of Georgia, Atlanta (BRCG), Burmese Rohingya Organisation UK (BROUK), Burmese Rohingya Welfare Organization (BRWO) New Zealand, Canadian Burmese Rohingya Organisation, European Rohingya Council (ERC), Free Rohingya Coalition (FRC), Los Angeles Rohingya Association, Rights for Women Welfare Society (RWWS), Rohingya Action Ireland, Rohingya American Society (RAS), Rohingya Association of Canada, Rohingya Community in Japan (RCJ), Rohingya Community Norway (RCN), Rohingya Culture Center – Chicago, Rohingya Human Rights Network, Rohingya National League (RNL), Rohingya Women Development Network (RWDN), and Swedish Rohingya Association (SRA).
