Rohingya Face Severe Movement Restrictions and Land Seizures in Northern Rakhine

By Arakan Now Reporter | 23 Dec 2023

Rohingya communities living under the control of the Arakan Army / United League of Arakan (AA/ULA) continue to face severe restrictions on movement, economic exclusion, and the loss of ancestral land. Arakan Now has documented these conditions through confidential testimonies, local-level verification, and consistent patterns observed across multiple areas.

These findings raise serious concerns under international law and the Provisional Measures issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding the protection of the Rohingya population.

Background

Since assuming administrative and security control over parts of northern Rakhine State, the Arakan Army / United League of Arakan (AA/ULA) has imposed policies and practices that significantly affect the fundamental rights of Rohingya communities. These include systematic restrictions on freedom of movement, economic exclusion, and the construction of new settlements on land historically inhabited by Rohingya populations.

Restrictions on Freedom of Movement

Permit Requirements and Extortion

Rohingya individuals are not allowed to travel freely between villages without obtaining an official travel permit, known as a “village exit letter,” issued by village administrators under AA/ULA authority. This requirement applies even for short-distance travel between neighboring villages.

Travel across township or sub-township boundaries requires additional authorization from township-level authorities. The permit process reportedly involves unofficial and coercive fees, including:

• Approximately 5,000 MMK paid to village administrators

• Approximately 5,000 MMK paid to township-level officials

Failure to comply can result in denial of movement, threats, or other punitive measures.

Geographic Movement Restrictions

AA/ULA authorities have reportedly imposed strict geographic limits on Rohingya movement:

• In northern Maungdaw Township, travel is allowed only up to Laung Done Village

• In southern Maungdaw Township, travel is limited to Du Nyaung Pin Gyi Village

Movement beyond these areas is strictly prohibited, regardless of humanitarian, medical, or livelihood needs.

Impact on Livelihoods and Economic Rights

As a result of these restrictions:

• Rohingya individuals are unable to access markets freely

• Independent livelihoods are effectively impossible

• Rohingya traders rely on Rakhine intermediaries to buy or sell goods

This system has led to economic dependency, exploitation, and the erosion of basic means of survival.

Land Encroachment and Construction of New Rakhine Villages

AA/ULA has reportedly facilitated or directly overseen the construction of new Rakhine villages on land historically inhabited, owned, or used by Rohingya communities. In several cases, villages have been renamed, reflecting a pattern of demographic restructuring.

Documented locations include:

• New Rakhine and Mro villages near Thit Tone Nar Khwa Son Village

• Construction of a new Rakhine village in Kyi Kan Pyin South Village

• Renaming of Myin Hlut Village to “Aye Karaz” and establishment of a new Rakhine village

• Renaming of Inn Din Village to “Myo Chaung” and construction of a new Rakhine village

• Renaming of Thin Baw Kway Village to “Aung Pyay Thit” and construction of a new Rakhine village

• Construction of new Rakhine villages in Ahlay Than Kyaw and Kan Phyu villages

These actions indicate a systematic pattern of land appropriation and population transfer.

Legal Analysis

The documented acts may violate international human rights law, including the right to freedom of movement, the right to livelihood and an adequate standard of living, and protections against discrimination.

The construction of new settlements on Rohingya land and the imposition of discriminatory movement restrictions also appear to contravene the ICJ Provisional Measures, which require Myanmar and relevant authorities to prevent irreparable harm to the Rohingya population and to preserve evidence related to alleged violations.

Some of the reported conduct may amount to persecution, forcible transfer, and other inhumane acts under Article 7 of the Rome Statute, placing them within the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Conclusion and Recommendations

The restrictions on movement, economic exclusion, and land appropriation documented by Arakan Now reflect a coordinated and systematic policy targeting Rohingya communities in northern Rakhine State.

Human rights advocates have called for independent monitoring and verification by UN mechanisms, consideration of these acts in ongoing or future ICC investigations, an immediate end to discriminatory practices by AA/ULA, and strengthened international efforts to ensure protection, accountability, and remedies for affected Rohingya communities.

Documentation Status

This report is based on confidential testimonies, local-level verification, and observed patterns of conduct. Further evidence, including witness statements and geospatial data, may be provided upon request.