ULA warns human traffickers face up to life imprisonment

By Admin 31 Aug 2026

DMG Newsroom

31 August 2026, Mrauk-U

The United League of Arakan (ULA) is intensifying efforts to prevent and suppress human trafficking in Arakan State, with the Department of Law Enforcement and Public Security (DLEPS) announcing that human traffickers will face penalties ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment.

Young people in Arakan State are attempting to travel to countries such as China and Thailand through various means, with reports indicating that some fall victim to human trafficking rings and are sold into forced labour.

Traffickers are reportedly exploiting the scarcity of job opportunities and economic hardship in Arakan State by using fraudulent promises of overseas employment to deceive victims.

Additionally, human trafficking networks are actively targeting individuals seeking to evade the National Defense Emergency Provision (NDEP).

Driven by local unemployment and disruptions to education, many youths attempt to travel to mainland Myanmar or abroad. During these journeys, some are detained by the Arakan Army and remain out of contact with their families for extended periods.

"My daughter was traveling to mainland Myanmar to attend school when she was detained at a checkpoint in Mrauk-U Township. When we went to meet her, authorities denied us access, showing only photographs confirming that the children were in good health. Among them were Grade 12 students. Although authorities requested recommendation letters promising their release, they have not been freed yet," said a family member of a female detainee from Buthidaung Township.

Alongside human trafficking crackdowns, the ULA has detained individuals attempting to leave Arakan State for various reasons. Those covered under the NDEP are transferred to military service programmes, while non-eligible individuals are released after receiving administrative penalties.

Brokers involved in human trafficking are also facing prosecution in accordance with established legal procedures.

Due to military junta airstrike threats, several courts are unable to operate smoothly, leading to judicial delays. Among those detained, individuals suffering from underlying health conditions have died despite receiving medical care.

According to the DLEPS, among three individuals detained on human trafficking charges from Kyauksauk Village in Ramree Township, U Zaw Zaw Moe, U Win Myint Zaw, and U Sein Mya Thein, U Zaw Zaw Moe died on August 25, 2026, while receiving medical treatment for severe shortness of breath, extreme fatigue, and excessive sweating.

Expressing deep concern over these incidents, family members of detainees urge authorities to publish official notices upon making arrests and to allow family visitations.

"It has been nearly eight months since I lost contact with my son after he was detained. We heard from some people that the youths have completed training, but we have no precise confirmation. An acquaintance of mine saw them near the jetty, and the youths mentioned needing money. When the acquaintance informed us, we worried immensely and tried to arrange money, but we still haven't established contact with them. We urgently wish to contact our children," said a parent of a young man detained while traveling to mainland Myanmar.

The DLEPS stated in an official release that it is systematically combating human trafficking, having prosecuted 35 cases involving human trafficking and overseas employment law violations between January and July 2026.