Event Summary
On 22 May 2025, the Arakan Army (AA) issued a statement declaring that individuals of conscription age—both men and women—are prohibited from leaving Arakan State until the emergency period caused by the ongoing conflict comes to an end. Since March 2025, men aged 18 to 45 and women aged 18 to 25 have been required to serve in the AA for a period of two years. The statement also noted that anyone caught attempting to transport individuals of conscription age out of the state will face prosecution under existing laws. According to the AA, the travel restrictions are intended to protect ethnic Rakhine people from the risks of arrest, imprisonment, or violence in areas controlled by the military junta. However, a local human rights activist argued that compelling individuals to undergo military training against their will constitutes a violation of their personal freedoms. The activist emphasised that human rights violations are not limited to acts of torture or killing—restrictions on freedom of movement and forced conscription also represent serious infringements. These measures indiscriminately restrict the mobility of all individuals within the affected age groups, including civil society actors. As a result, many CSO personnel and community leaders face significant barriers to operating beyond the confines of Arakan State, severely limiting their ability to engage in advocacy, deliver services, and participate in broader peacebuilding and human rights efforts. This further erodes the enabling environment for civil society and undermines its role in promoting democratic resilience and accountability.