In a unified declaration, a coalition of 28 Rohingya organizations has urged for justice, equality, peaceful coexistence, and inclusive governance in Arakan (Rakhine) State. This call comes in response to the Arakan Army’s (AA) recent consolidation of control over Maungdaw and Buthidaung Townships in northern Arakan State.

The coalition's statement emphasizes the critical need for the AA and its political wing, the United League of Arakan (ULA), to ensure the rights of all communities, including the Rohingya, and to immediately halt ongoing human rights violations.

Signed by leading Rohingya groups worldwide, the statement condemns the Burmese military’s longstanding “divide and rule” policies, which it says have perpetuated mistrust, conflict, and resource exploitation in the region. The organizations hold the AA/ULA accountable for safeguarding the rights and security of all communities and demand an end to abuses, such as the burning of Rohingya homes, forced displacement, and extrajudicial killings.

The statement also calls on the AA/ULA to acknowledge the Rohingya as equal stakeholders in Arakan State and to engage in meaningful dialogue with Rohingya leaders, both locally and in the diaspora. Additionally, it proposes the formation of an inclusive interim consultative committee to build trust and ensure equal representation in governance.

Warning of a looming humanitarian crisis, the coalition highlights the potential for famine in Arakan State, which could impact two million people regardless of ethnicity or religion. It calls for coordinated efforts to address this crisis and ensure fair distribution of humanitarian aid.

The coalition sees justice and accountability as pivotal to Arakan State’s future. The detention of Brigadier-General Thurein Tun, implicated in severe human rights abuses, is identified as a critical opportunity for international investigations by the International Criminal Court (ICC) and other agencies to bring perpetrators to justice.

To achieve a peaceful and prosperous future for Arakan State, the coalition outlines specific measures for the AA/ULA to implement. “This critical juncture offers an opportunity to build a future based on justice, equality, and shared prosperity,” the statement concludes, urging the AA/ULA to act decisively to create a unified state where all communities can coexist peacefully.

The statement bears the signatures of prominent organizations, including the Arakan Rohingya Development Association – Australia, Arakan Rohingya National Organisation (ARNO), Burmese Rohingya Organisation UK (BROUK), European Rohingya Council (ERC), and Rohingya Human Rights Network, among others.

BOB Post