Legal Memorandum on Atrocities Against Rohingya Civilians by Arakan Army (AA)
To: United Nations Human Rights Council, International Criminal Court (ICC), International Court of Justice (ICJ), and International Human Rights Organizations
From: Myanmar Muslims News Network (MMNN)
Date: 08th. June 2025
Subject: Documentation and Urgent Legal Redress Regarding Arakan Army (AA) Atrocities Against Rohingya Civilians in Rakhine State
I. Introduction
This memorandum is submitted to document and seek international legal redress for serious human rights violations and alleged war crimes perpetrated by the Arakan Army (AA) against the Rohingya Muslim civilian population in Rakhine State, Myanmar. These violations include unlawful killings, torture, enforced disappearances, forced displacement, and the destruction of property, constituting grave breaches of international humanitarian and human rights law.
II. Background
Following the 2021 military coup in Myanmar, a multidimensional armed conflict has escalated across the country. In Rakhine State, while the Myanmar military (Tatmadaw) has historically been the main perpetrator of atrocities against the Rohingya, new threats have emerged from the Arakan Army (AA), an armed ethnic group claiming to represent Rakhine Buddhist interests.
Recent testimonies and evidence collected from Rohingya survivors and family members in the Cox’s Bazar refugee camps in Bangladesh reveal a disturbing pattern of attacks by the AA. These attacks appear to be systematic, targeting Rohingya civilians based on their ethnic and religious identity.
III. Summary of Reported Incidents
An attached detailed list, compiled and verified by MMNN in coordination with Rohingya community leaders in Cox’s Bazar, outlines the following:
- Names and identities of civilians unlawfully killed by the AA.
- Individuals who suffered extortion, physical injuries or mental trauma.
- Families of the deceased and survivors, with corroborated testimonies.
- Dates, locations, and methods of attacks.
The attacks occurred in multiple locations across northern Rakhine State, particularly in Buthidaung and Maungdaw townships, between late 2023 and mid-2025.
IV. Legal Framework
The actions of the Arakan Army may constitute:
- War crimes under Article 8 of the Rome Statute of the ICC, including targeting civilians, extrajudicial executions, and torture.
- Crimes against humanity under Article 7, including persecution, extermination, and other inhumane acts.
- Violations of the Geneva Conventions, particularly Common Article 3 and Additional Protocol II.
- Violations of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
Additionally, the AA’s conduct violates the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and multiple customary international law norms.
V. Recommendations
- UN and ICC Involvement: Initiate formal investigations into the alleged crimes committed by the Arakan Army under international jurisdiction.
- Sanctions and Accountability: Impose targeted sanctions against AA leadership and affiliates directly responsible.
- Protection Mechanisms: Deploy independent international observers to monitor the situation in Rohingya areas in Myanmar.
- Support to Victims: Facilitate humanitarian support, rehabilitation, and reparations for affected Rohingya civilians and refugees.
- Referral to ICJ: Consider state-level legal action at the International Court of Justice regarding breaches of the Genocide Convention.
VI. Conclusion
The Rohingya people have suffered decades of persecution, and the emergence of new aggressors such as the Arakan Army compounds their trauma and vulnerability. The international community must not allow impunity to prevail. It is imperative that these grave allegations are investigated, and justice is delivered.
Appendix: We hereby submitted full list of AA’s Atrocities on Rohingyas seperately as an Attachment: Confidential List of Victims and Witness Testimonies [Not included in this public document for safety reasons]
Prepared and Submitted by: Myanmar Muslims News Network (MMNN) Legal Affairs & Human Rights Division
Contact: [email protected]
