The United League of Arakan (ULA), the political wing of the Arakan Army (AA), has established a special court to expedite maximum sentences for major crimes, including child rape, sexual murder, and homicide, across territories under its control.

The move follows mounting public criticism and calls from rights advocates over a surge in sexual violence amid ongoing armed conflict and weakened rule of law in Rakhine State.

At least 13 incidents of sexual violence and child rape have been reported in AA-administered areas this year.

Daw Hla Mya Khaing, an official from the ULA Central Office, stated that the special tribunal aims to deliver swift justice and prevent future offenses, particularly against children.

"Crimes against children must face the strongest legal action," she said, highlighting planned prevention efforts and legal education alongside punitive measures.

However, local activists and women's rights groups have expressed skepticism, emphasizing that specialized courts must operate with strict transparency and strong enforcement to be effective.

"No matter how special a court is, it is meaningless without transparency," a human rights activist from Ann Township told DMG, warning against opaque judicial proceedings. Activists from Maungdaw Township similarly urged the ULA to prioritize rigorous investigations and penalties over public awareness campaigns alone.

Kham Mai, Joint General Secretary of the Women’s League of Burma (WLB), warned that displacement and broken public services have severely heightened risks for women.

"Perpetrators must be held accountable regardless of who they are," she said. "A zero-tolerance policy against sexual violence must be enforced."

The court's formation comes shortly after the ULA Judicial Department handed down its first maximum penalty in a landmark rape-murder case in Ponnagyun Township's Autseik village.