"...For many years we have received reports that people in Arakan state are forced to labour and serve in the military, and are constantly disturbed in their daily lives by heavy taxes, confiscation of land and property, cultural repression, and restriction of movement and activity. During this time, we have tried to collect evidence and accounts of victims inside Arakan state. Our attempts have failed due to communication difficulties and the constant presence of military personnel and intelligence agents. Good relations between the SPDC and neighboring Bangladesh and India also present obstacles to reaching victims in Arakan state. Transportation and communication difficulties from Rangoon and other areas within Burma into Arakan state also hinder the collection of information and our ability to meet with residents. After these attempts were exhausted, we decided to look for Arakanese victims among refugees and migrants in Bangladesh, India, Malaysia and Thailand. In December 2005 we traveled to Malaysia to interview Arakanese migrants. We visited several towns and held meetings in which we explained our projects and requested to interview those that had experienced forced labour, arbitrary arrest, torture, rape, forced relocation, abuse or land confiscation. Among the three hundred migrants that we met, twenty volunteered to be interviewed. Two underage boys and two women were among those interviewed. During the interviews, shocking stories emerged. It became clear that in Arakan state, the basic needs of human survival - food, clothing, shelter, land and sanitation - do not meet minimum standards. There is constant use of forced labour and disruption of daily life in order to carry out state projects. We met many people that were forced to give up their families, livelihoods and education. Many people, especially children, face malnutrition..."