71 people have been killed or injured by landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) in Arakan (Rakhine) State, since the beginning of 2025.
The families of victims are suffering because of reduced incomes and some of those injured by landmines and UXOs cannot get medical treatment because they cannot afford it or have difficulty accessing it.
A Maungdaw Township resident said: “In Shwezar Village in our township, a child stepped on a landmine and was seriously injured. The villagers tried to take him to Bangladesh for treatment, but because of so many difficulties along the way, they had to turn back. Sadly, the child didn’t survive.”
Displaced people now returning to areas of Arakan State where fighting has subsided are facing a serious UXO problem, especially in areas that were previously war zones or where there had been intense fighting between the Arakan Army (AA) and the junta.
An aid worker from Taungup Township said: “Some poor people have stepped on landmines while going into the forest to collect wild vegetables or firewood just to make a living. As a local civil welfare organisation, we can only offer limited help, so these victims are really struggling to support their families.”
Since early January, 19 people have been injured by UXO in Taungup Township, which has been under the control of the AA since 24 November 2024. Most of them were injured whilst picking wild vegetables or cutting firewood near former junta bases.
There are only limited numbers of available jobs in Arakan State and it is very hard for victims of UXOs and landmines to earn an income, which often causes their families many problems, particularly if the injured person was the family’s main breadwinner.
An aid worker from Gwa Township said: “Here in Gwa Township, the Humanitarian and Development Coordination Office [HDCO, The humanitarian assistance arm of the AA] and some civil society organisations are helping landmine victims. Some of them are still getting treatment, but we are still facing many challenges.”
The AA now controls 14 townships in Arakan State and in those townships it is carrying out demining operations and working to facilitate the return of displaced residents. Unfortunately, many returning people are still being injured by UXO.
According to data collected by DMG, a total of 71 people, including children were killed or injured by UXO and landmines across Arakan State from 1 January 2025 to 9 May 2025.
