A/HRC/39/CRP.2 villagers paid the Tatmadaw as an alternative. 930 In some situations, one person from each household in the village had to go for forced labour, whenever the order came. Victims of forced labour were often required to report on a regular basis. They frequently had to sleep in the Tatmadaw camp until the tasks were completed and they were permitted to return home. Victims were fearful of further forced labour. When the Tatmadaw arrived in the village, the youth would often flee to hide. No payment or compensation was received for the labour.931 417. The duration of forced or compulsory labour has varied, lasting from a few hours to days, weeks or months.932 Porters could be forced to travel significant distances on foot, carrying heavy loads between towns or to other states, for up to ten days. 933 One villager described how he had to carry a grenade launcher for eight days.934 In most cases, the porters were not given any information about the journey, simply ordered to follow the troops. 418. Forced labour was also imposed in the context of the conflict between the Tatmadaw and the Arakan Army,935 exposing porters to significant dangers. In some instances, porters were taken to conflict areas and exposed to combat or the risk of combat. 936 One victim described how another porter was badly injured by an anti-personnel mine and had his leg amputated and bandaged without medicine. 937 Porters were also used as minesweepers, with soldiers sending porters ahead of them. 938 One victim stated: I was taken as a porter when working in a field. A large group of soldiers came and told me to follow them. When I refused, they kicked me and punched me in the face. A soldier pointed his gun in my back and said I would be killed if I did not follow. So, I followed and carried their rations. They made me and others walk at the front, carrying heavy bags. We travelled for three days and then there was shooting between the Arakan Army and the soldiers. The fighting lasted about one hour. I managed to hide in the forest, but three soldiers and other porters were killed.939 419. Forced labourers received overt verbal threats, including death threats to themselves or family members, insults and derogatory references to their ethnicity. Ethnic Rakhine who tried to avoid forced labour, because of sickness or other compelling reasons, were subjected to beatings with sticks,940 or kicking and punching.941 Additionally, fines were imposed and they faced the threat of arrest.942 Forced labourers were frequently subjected to ill-treatment. Porters often had to walk long distances over many hours, carrying heavy loads and with little or no rest. They were only allowed to stop when instructed. When porters slowed down or were unable to carry the heavy loads, they were beaten with sticks or guns, 943 slapped or kicked.944 One victim stated: I was subjected to forced labour since I was 20 years old. I had to break stones. It happened irregularly, but it could last for about one week and sometimes three weeks. About 50 male villagers were taken each time. If we worked slowly, we were beaten. After nearly 10 years, I tried to refuse but the soldiers threatened to arrest me. When 930 931 932 933 934 935 936 937 938 939 940 941 942 943 944 102 QI-075. CI-057, CI-154, CI-158, DI-015, DI-041, QI-072, QI-075. DI-039, DI-045, QI-075. CI-055, DI-017, DI-019, DI-039, DI-043, QI-074. QI-074. The Mission is aware of allegations of abuses committed by the Arakan Army, as well as allegations of violations perpetrated by the Tatmadaw in this context, both of which warrant further investigation. CI-159, DI-019, DI-043, QI-074, QI-075. DI-019. QI-074. DI-019, DI-043. DI-019. DI-018, DI-032, DI-043, QI-072, QI-075. CI-053, DI-017, DI-019, DI-045. DI-032. CI-056, CI-062, CI-153, CI-154, DI-017, DI-032, DI-043. CI-053, CI-056, CI-062.

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