1. Introduction

This report presents a number of reported human rights and protection concerns affecting Rohingya civilians and other communities in Rakhine State during the reporting period.

The incidents documented include reported arbitrary arrests and prolonged detention of Rohingya civilians in Sittwe, allegations of extortion and abuse of authority, restrictions reportedly affecting children's access to religious education, increased administrative involvement in Islamic religious institutions, and reported airstrikes in Mrauk-U.

The information has been collected from local residents, community members, relatives of reported detainees, and participants in local meetings. Because independent access to several areas of Rakhine State remains limited, the information could not be independently verified in all cases. The incidents described below should therefore be subject to further investigation and corroboration.

2. Reported Arrests and Detention of Rohingya in Sittwe

Rohingya residents and displaced persons living in Sittwe Township reportedly face a heightened risk of arrest, detention, extortion, and other forms of abuse by forces affiliated with the Myanmar military authorities.

According to local sources, police, military personnel, Military Security Affairs, and Border Guard Police have reportedly arrested Rohingya civilians on allegations of involvement in human trafficking or links to the Arakan Army (AA).

Some residents were reportedly detained after authorities alleged that their names matched, or were similar to, names appearing on lists of suspected individuals. Local sources said that some of those detained had no known connection to the allegations against them.

There are also reports that some detainees were taken to military or Military Security Affairs facilities rather than being transferred through normal police procedures. In several cases, relatives reportedly received little or no information about the detainees' whereabouts, legal status, or condition.

Human rights groups report a sharp escalation in arbitrary arrests across Sittwe as military forces tighten control over the dwindling regime-held city, with activists estimating that hundreds of civilians may currently be held in secret military detention facilities.

If confirmed, these practices would raise serious concerns regarding arbitrary detention, due process, access to legal safeguards, and protection from abuse and extortion.

3. Individual Cases Requiring Verification

Several cases reported by local sources warrant particular attention and, where possible, independent verification.

INGO Employee

On July 23, 2026, at approximately 5:30 p.m., police officers from Mansi Road Junction Police Station reportedly went to the home of a Rohingya employee of Solidarity International at Bawdiph-2 Relief Camp in Sittwe Township.

According to local sources, the officers told him that they needed to question him before taking him away. His family reportedly had not received adequate information about his whereabouts or condition following his detention.

Abdul Hamid

Abdul Hamid, a 70-year-old Rohingya man from Thet Kay Pyin Village, was reportedly taken into custody after police allegedly told him that his name matched that of a person included on a list of suspects. Local residents reported that he remained in detention for more than a week following his arrest.

Maung Kyaw Khin

Maung Kyaw Khin, a member of the camp management committee at Maung Thi Nya Relief Camp, was reportedly arrested after authorities allegedly claimed that his name was similar to that of another person on a suspect list.

According to local sources, no information concerning his whereabouts or condition had been received more than a week after his arrest.

These cases require clarification regarding the grounds for detention, the legal status of the individuals, their access to legal representation, their current locations, and their physical well-being.

4. Reported Restrictions on Religious Education for Rohingya Children

Rohingya residents in areas under the control of the Arakan Army and United League of Arakan (ULA) reported that ULA officials had instructed communities that Rohingya children would not be permitted to attend Arabic-language religious schools until they had completed Grade 5 in ULA-operated schools.

The reported instruction was discussed during a meeting between Rohingya community representatives and AA/ULA officials in Maungdaw Township on August 2.

Some community members expressed concern that the requirement could delay children's access to religious education and limit parents' ability to choose the timing and form of their children's education.

The reported policy should be independently assessed, particularly in relation to children's rights to education, freedom of religion or belief, and the role of parents and communities in educational decisions.

Note: Previous restrictions have been documented in the area, including a ban on the use of loudspeakers for the Islamic call to prayer (azan) imposed by AA authorities on April 27, 2026, which residents view as discriminatory given that Buddhist monasteries continue to use amplification systems.

5. Reported ULA Control Over Islamic Religious Institutions

Local sources also reported that the ULA intends to take a greater role in the appointment of imams and religious teachers at mosques, Arabic-language schools, and Quran memorization schools in Maungdaw District.

According to participants, approximately 400 religious officials and community representatives were invited to a meeting where ULA officials reportedly stated that future appointments would be made in accordance with ULA decisions.

Sources further reported that local residents would continue to provide financial support for religious teachers, but that salary payments would first be submitted to the ULA for distribution.

Context: In July 2026, the AA and local Muslim community leaders agreed to appoint approximately 500 Muslim teachers to teach the Arakanese language in Islamic religious schools across Maungdaw District, indicating increased ULA/AA involvement in educational and religious institutions.

If confirmed, these arrangements could have implications for freedom of religion or belief, community participation, and the independence of religious institutions.

6. Reported Airstrikes in Mrauk-U

On August 4, 2026, Myanmar military aircraft reportedly carried out airstrikes over Mrauk-U City, beginning at approximately 9:05 p.m.

A local resident reported that approximately six fighter aircraft were involved and that at least seven bombs were dropped. Local sources identified Light Infantry Battalion No. 540 as the reported main target.

Residents reportedly sought shelter following the attacks, and local sources described increased fear and anxiety among civilians.

Additional reporting indicates that eight Air Force jets carried out over 30 airstrikes on the former Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) 540 and Police Battalion 31 outposts in Mrauk-U Township, with four civilians reported injured.

At present, the available information does not establish the number of civilian casualties or the extent of property damage. It is also not possible, based on the information available, to determine whether the reported attacks complied with international humanitarian law.

An independent investigation should examine the intended targets, the weapons and methods used, any resulting civilian harm or property damage, and the precautions taken to minimize risks to civilians.

7. Bangladesh–Myanmar Border Trade

Bangladesh and Myanmar reportedly discussed the possible resumption of bilateral border trade, including trade in agricultural products, rice, pharmaceuticals, fisheries, and other goods.

Dhaka and Naypyidaw have agreed to step up efforts to expand bilateral trade by reviving long-stalled border commerce, establishing direct maritime connectivity and exploring greater investment opportunities. The Myanmar ambassador called for reopening long-suspended border trade, initially on a limited basis if necessary.

The proposed reopening of border trade could provide economic opportunities for communities on both sides of the border. At the same time, humanitarian and protection concerns affecting conflict-affected and displaced populations should be taken into account in any future arrangements.

8. Main Human Rights and Protection Concerns

The information reviewed for this reporting period raises the following concerns:

• Arbitrary arrest and detention of Rohingya civilians;
• Lack of information regarding the whereabouts and condition of detainees;
• Alleged extortion and abuse of authority;
• Possible detention resulting from mistaken or similar identities;
• Lack of access to due process and legal safeguards;
• Risks to civilians in conflict-affected areas;
• Possible civilian harm resulting from airstrikes;
• Restrictions affecting children's access to religious education;
• Freedom of religion or belief;
• Community participation in the management of religious institutions; and
• Protection of Rohingya civilians living under different systems of territorial control.

9. Requests for International Action

In view of the concerns outlined above, we respectfully call on relevant United Nations bodies, international human rights organizations, humanitarian agencies, diplomatic missions, and other appropriate institutions to take the following steps:

A. Independent Investigation

Conduct impartial investigations into the reported arrests, detention, alleged extortion, and treatment of Rohingya civilians in Sittwe, including the individual cases documented in this report.

B. Clarification of Detainees' Status

Seek information from the relevant authorities concerning the whereabouts, legal status, and condition of reported detainees and ensure that their families are informed.

C. Assessment Under International Law

Assess whether the reported arrests, detention practices, treatment of detainees, and airstrikes complied with applicable international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

D. Monitoring of Education and Religious Freedom

Monitor reported restrictions affecting Rohingya children's religious education and the reported involvement of ULA authorities in the appointment and administration of religious officials and institutions.

E. Protection of Civilians

Strengthen monitoring and protection measures for Rohingya and other civilians living in conflict-affected areas and areas subject to competing systems of territorial control.

F. Accountability

Where credible evidence establishes violations of international law, appropriate accountability measures should be pursued in accordance with international standards.

G. Access for Independent Monitoring

Relevant authorities and actors exercising territorial control should facilitate safe and meaningful access for independent human rights and humanitarian organizations to affected communities, detention facilities, and other relevant locations.

10. Conclusion

The incidents documented in this report raise serious concerns about the safety, rights, and protection of Rohingya civilians and other communities in Rakhine State.

The allegations presented here should not be considered established facts without further investigation. However, the reported cases of detention without clear legal procedures, the lack of information concerning detainees, alleged extortion, restrictions affecting religious education, and reported airstrikes in populated areas warrant prompt and impartial investigation.

We therefore urge relevant international organizations and human rights mechanisms to independently verify the reported incidents, consult directly with affected communities, document any violations established through investigation, and take appropriate measures to strengthen civilian protection and prevent further abuses.

Source and Verification Note

This report was compiled from information provided by local residents, community sources, relatives of reported detainees, and participants in local meetings.

The information has been independently corroborated in part by multiple news sources, including Rohingya Khobor (August 6, 2026), Muslim Network TV (August 7, 2026), Mizzima (August 6, 2026), and Democratic Voice of Burma (August 5-11, 2026). Further corroboration should be undertaken through direct interviews, documentary evidence, medical or detention records, satellite imagery, photographic or video evidence, and other reliable sources where available.

Particular care should be taken to protect the confidentiality, safety, and privacy of individuals and sources who may face risks as a result of providing information.

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