ULA establishes special court for rape, major crimes

By Admin 22 Aug 2026

DMG Newsroom

22 August 2026, Kyauktaw

The United League of Arakan (ULA) has announced the establishment of a special court to hand down severe sentences for major crimes such as child rape, rape-murder and homicide in areas controlled by the Arakan Army.

Formed in August, the special court aims to expedite the imposition of maximum sentences on individuals convicted of sexual violence, child rape, rape and murder.

In an exclusive interview with Arakan Princess Media, Daw Hla Mya Khaing from the ULA Central Office stated that special emphasis is being placed on preventing and eliminating child rape.

"The Judicial Department under the ULA must take the strongest legal action against any crimes committed against children to prevent future offenses. Children must grow up in a safe environment for future human resource development, making it urgent to address sexual offenses against children," Daw Hla Mya Khaing said.

The ULA emphasized two primary pillars regarding child rape: prevention and the swift imposition of severe punishments on perpetrators.

As reported cases of rape rise across areas controlled by the Arakan Army in Arakan State, effective legal action remains weak, drawing widespread criticism of the ULA Judicial Department.

Observers view the formation of the special court as a targeted attempt to address high-profile cases, expose the truth and deliver justice.

"No matter how special a court is, it is meaningless without transparency. It must be transparent in the eyes of the public and deliver legal punishment effectively. If a sentence leaves the public with lingering questions or doubts, even a special investigation team is useless. Ensuring transparency and fair adjudication in the judicial process is paramount," said a human rights activist and resident of Ann Township.

The ULA noted that it is also conducting sexual awareness training, distributing leaflets and providing legal education programs to reduce sexual violence.

Despite these awareness efforts, critics argue that the prevalence of rape stems from weaknesses within the ULA Judicial Department.

"Rather than relying solely on awareness training, the ULA should thoroughly investigate perpetrators and impose effective penalties. Enforcement mechanisms remain weak. Child rape is a severe crime, and the ULA Judicial Department must expose these cases without delay to ensure justice," said a female activist from Maungdaw Township.

Women's rights advocates pointed out that escalating armed conflict in Arakan State, growing displacement, weakening rule of law, and disrupted public services and protection mechanisms have heightened safety risks for women.

In an exclusive interview with DMG, Kham Mai, Joint General Secretary of the Women's League of Burma (WLB), stated that persistent impunity is the primary reason for weak enforcement against sexual violence against women.

"Importantly, regardless of who commits it, sexual violence in these circumstances is a severe violation of human rights and entirely unacceptable. Perpetrators must be held accountable. A zero-tolerance policy against sexual violence must be enforced," she added.

With sexual violence on the rise in conflict areas, activists emphasized that authorities must implement independent and credible investigations, hold perpetrators accountable and adopt survivor-centered response mechanisms.

At least 13 incidents of sexual violence, rape and child rape have been reported in Arakan Army-controlled areas this year, with the recent Autseik case in Ponnagyun marking the first instance of the ULA Judicial Department handing down a maximum penalty.