An Analysis of Bias and Groundless Accusations Behind Fortify Rights’ Reports

News Analysis ၊ April 19, 2026

The accusations made by Fortify Rights (FR) on April 9 regarding the "Htan Shauk Khan" incident in Buthidaung Township against the Arakan Army (AA) appear to be based on fabricated data and bias rather than credible evidence. This article aims to respond to these claims by highlighting the lack of factual basis and the underlying motives of the organization.

Unverified Interviews and Self-Serving Motives

Fortify Rights’ reports are built on interviews with unverified individuals. The report relies on testimonies from four Muslims who were not even present in Rakhine State at the time, leading to inconsistent and contradictory narratives. Furthermore, the report lacks any on-the-ground physical evidence, serving instead as a propaganda tool to distort international perceptions of the AA. It appears these interviewees are fabricating stories to portray themselves as victims in hopes of securing international aid, attempting to defame a revolutionary organization for personal gain.

Donor Interests and Influence of Overseas Muslim Activists

Fortify Rights operates more like a business entity, prioritizing the "Muslim cause" to satisfy its donors. Their reports reveal a partnership with the Burmese Rohingya Organisation UK (BROUK), an organization formed by overseas Muslim activists. The influence of financial support and ideologies from these diaspora activists has resulted in biased reports filled with misinformation and hostility toward the AA.

Transparency Regarding the Htan Shauk Khan Incident

The ULA has already provided a transparent explanation regarding the Htan Shauk Khan incident, even inviting international media for on-the-ground inspections. Regarding this case, Colonel Kaung Myat, Deputy Commander of MOC (15) in Buthidaung, clarified to the media:

"When our troops took positions in the village, there were no villagers left. They didn't dare stay because it was near Light Infantry Regiment (551), where heavy fighting was occurring; they had fled long before. They knew battles would break out wherever troops were stationed. Those wounded were only our own family members."

He further stated that as they retreated from MOC (15), they were joined by over 200 Muslim militias trained by the Military Commission. "When we reached Htan Shauk Khan village, the total number was nearly 500," the Colonel added. Despite these clear explanations accepted by the international community, Fortify Rights continues to obsessively repeat its accusations, showing a lack of integrity.

One-Sided HR Reporting

Fortify Rights has completely turned a blind eye to the human rights violations, landmine plantings, and killings committed by Muslim extremist groups such as ARSA and RSO in northern Rakhine. According to a report by HDCO, 162 local civilians were killed by Muslim extremist armed groups between November 2023 and January 2026. Additionally, 30 civilians remain missing following abductions by these groups. By ignoring these atrocities, Fortify Rights demonstrates a clear bias and a failure to speak out against the actual perpetrators of violence.

It is questionable why Fortify Rights targets the AA—which is actively resisting the fascist Military Commission—while failing to effectively report on the Military Commission’s own human rights violations. For instance, on February 24, an airstrike by the Military Commission in Yo Ngu Village, Ponnagyun Township, killed 20 people, including many children and the elderly. Fortify Rights failed to issue any report or call for international action regarding this massacre. Such silence suggests they are inadvertently enabling the Commission’s crimes against humanity.

Thus, organizations like Fortify Rights are not true protectors of human rights but are instead propaganda groups attempting to undermine revolutionary forces for their own agendas. Their baseless reports are disconnected from the reality on the ground and run entirely contrary to the aspirations of the people of Rakhine, who are seeking justice.