War-torn Arakan State’s children severely deprived of basic rights

On November 20, World Children’s Day, human rights activists in war-torn Arakan (Rakhine) State renewed calls for urgent action to ensure that children in the conflict-stricken region can access their most basic rights.

According to social activists, children in Arakan State continue to face life-threatening dangers from airstrikes, widespread food shortages, and the collapse of the education system. Many are also deprived of essential healthcare, including full vaccination, leaving them increasingly vulnerable.

Children are suffering profound psychological and physical harm as they remain trapped in the intensifying conflict, and parents are urged to take special care to support their children’s wellbeing.

“Children have been through brutal airstrikes, and the experience is deeply traumatic for them. Even if they aren’t physically hurt, the mental scars are still there. With danger everywhere, they can’t go outside or play freely, even though that’s vital for their development. And on top of that, they’re not getting the nutrients they need,” said a mother from Myebon Township.

Children in Arakan State have been killed, injured, and forced to live under constant fear due to airstrikes, artillery fire, and drone attacks unleashed by the coup regime.

Civilian areas including residential neighborhoods, schools, and monasteries have been repeatedly bombed, despite their protected status under international law. These attacks have further undermined children’s right to education.

Human rights activists stressed that it is time for the international community to take concrete action to halt the junta’s escalating crimes and rights violations.