Militant Arakan Army Detains People Under Trafficking Laws, Blocks Family Contact

Most people detained by the militant Arakan Army under human trafficking laws in Arakan State cannot contact their families, according to relatives of the detainees.

In August 2026 the militant Arakan Army announced that anyone helping to move people illegally from Arakan to other parts of Myanmar or abroad would face trial under human trafficking laws. The penalties range from 10 years to life in prison.

Since the announcement, families say those arrested under these charges are no longer allowed to speak with them. A woman whose relative was detained in Mrauk-U Township in September said:

“He was arrested for human trafficking but is not allowed to contact his family. We do not even know where he is. We asked for visitation but were rejected.”

The militant Arakan Army had already been arresting people for facilitating movement out of the region before the formal policy was announced.

One family member said a man arrested in January 2026 on trafficking charges was never allowed to speak with them. He died in custody of militant AA in August 2026 after six months of being missing. “If he was detained under the trafficking law, we will accept that,” the relative said.

“But the way this has been handled is shameful. It is horrible for the family to bear.”

Another man from Ngapathone village in Myebon Township was detained on similar charges linked to the illegal movement of people. He remained incommunicado for two months after his arrest.

Families continue to report that they receive no information about the location of their relatives or the progress of any cases.