Arakanese youth call for stronger action as rape cases rise in Arakan State

By Admin 21 Mar 2026

DMG Newsroom

21 March 2026, Maungdaw

Human rights activists and Arakanese youth are calling for effective legal action against perpetrators as rape cases continue to rise in Arakan State, with at least two cases involving children reported this month.

On March 16, a case in Maungdaw Township involved a 13-year-old boy who allegedly raped and murdered a girl just over two years old, followed by an attempt to conceal the body.

Earlier, on March 3, an 8-year-old girl was reportedly raped in Pauktaw Township by a man in his 40s identified as U Tun Aung Chay, who remains at large, according to local residents.

Youth activists said such cases must be addressed with firm legal action and should not be subject to leniency.

“The Arakan Army should handle these cases thoroughly,” said a young woman in Kyauktaw. “It is unacceptable for such crimes to occur. Regardless of age, those responsible must be held accountable.”

Arakanese youth warned that failure to take decisive action could lead to further incidents.

A young woman in Mrauk-U said child rape is universally condemned and called for greater transparency in judicial proceedings to deter future crimes.

Rape survivors face both physical and psychological trauma, while social stigma can further hinder their recovery, activists said.

Ko Nyan Lin, a youth from Mrauk-U, urged communities to support victims rather than isolate them.

“This is an issue that concerns society as a whole. We need to protect and stand by victims. Ignoring the problem only allows it to worsen. There is also a need for greater sexual education and awareness,” he said.

Human rights advocates also emphasized the importance of preventive measures, including education and community engagement.

“Parents should guide their children on appropriate behavior. Community-led awareness programmes involving both adults and youths could help reduce such cases,” said Ma Shin Tun San, a women’s rights activist.

Although the Arakan Army has established administrative and judicial systems in areas under its control, crimes such as rape, murder, and robbery continue to be reported, prompting public concerns over the effectiveness and transparency of law enforcement.