Arakan Army forcing young Rohingya under 18 for forced labor in Maungdaw Township

 Arakan Now, 22 April 2025

On the road construction site near Kyawt Leggar village in the Thephyu Chaung area of Maungdaw Township, the Arakan Army is forcing Rohingya children under 18 to work as laborers.

Most of these children come from poor families in Kyawt Leggar village and nearby areas in Maungdaw Township. In many households, only elderly people and children remain. Many Rohingya from Buthidaung and Maungdaw townships have already fled Arakan due to the Arakan Army’s persecution. Because of this, there are very few adult men left in these villages.

Due to financial problems, the families that remain are sending their children to work. These children are working under difficult conditions, even though they are too young for such labor.

Four months ago, the Arakan Army started rebuilding a bridge in Kyawt Leggar village, Maungdaw Township. The bridge was damaged during clashes between the Arakan Army and the Myanmar military.

After the Arakan Army and the Myanmar military destroyed everything the Rohingya had, nothing is left for them. Now, the Arakan Army is carrying out all kinds of oppression, leaving people with no real choice. They now face two options: obey everything the AA demands or leave their land.