Fortify Rights calls for ICC arrest warrant against ARSA leader over alleged war crimes

By Admin 22 May 2026

DMG Newsroom

22 May 2026, Maungdaw

Human rights advocacy group Fortify Rights on May 21 called on the International Criminal Court (ICC) to issue an arrest warrant for Ataullah Abu Ammar Jununi, leader of the Muslim armed group Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA).

Fortify Rights stated that ARSA members have committed violent killings against Muslims and civilians, as well as crimes against humanity, in both Myanmar and Bangladesh.

Similarly, seven Muslim-led organizations have separately urged the ICC to take action against the human rights violations allegedly committed by ARSA in Myanmar and Bangladesh, and to issue an arrest warrant for Ataullah Abu Ammar Jununi.

The statements noted that Muslims and civilians affected by ARSA’s violence and rights violations are demanding justice from international leaders.

A member of Fortify Rights’ steering committee said: “The victims of ARSA’s violations have an equal right to justice, just like victims who suffered from state-level crimes. Failing to take action would encourage the perpetrators to become bolder, further deepening the cycle of violence and denying victims their fundamental right to justice.”

Fortify Rights said that although Ataullah Abu Ammar Jununi was arrested by Bangladeshi authorities on March 18, 2025, and remains under investigation, there are concerns that he could be released without facing prosecution for the international crimes allegedly committed by ARSA.

Fortify Rights’ steering committee includes leaders from various sectors including law, diplomacy, education, government, the arts, and human rights advocacy, many of whom have spent decades working on issues related to criminal justice, democracy, and international law.

ARSA is based in refugee camps in Bangladesh and along the border areas. Local residents said the group frequently crosses illegally into Maungdaw District and carries out violent attacks against civilians.

Muslims living in Arakan State also alleged that ARSA has committed human rights violations by forcibly recruiting youths in refugee camps in Bangladesh, as well as carrying out violence and rape against fellow Muslims.

A resident of Maungdaw said effective action should be taken against ARSA for allegedly torturing and killing people along the Arakan State border.

The resident said: “People in border areas are facing many hardships affecting travel and livelihoods. We do not dare travel from one place to another. Local residents are also afraid to go fishing because they fear torture and violence. Therefore, I want the ICC to seriously consider issuing an arrest warrant for the ARSA leader.”

Fortify Rights also urged the Bangladesh government on March 18, 2025, to transfer Ataullah Abu Ammar Jununi to the ICC for investigation and prosecution over allegations including targeted killings, kidnappings, and torture against Muslim refugees.

Residents of Buthidaung Township said ARSA cooperated with regime forces during battles in Buthidaung and Maungdaw townships in Arakan State, resisting attacks by the Arakan Army and carrying out arson attacks on homes.

According to a survey by the Humanitarian and Development Coordination Office (HDCO), attacks by Muslim armed groups, including ARSA, in Arakan State between November 2023 and February 2026 killed 162 civilians, injured 22 others, and left around 30 people missing.

The survey said the victims included 137 Arakanese, 35 Muslims, 34 Hindus, 13 Khami, six Mro, and four Chakma people.