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London, U.K. -- Burma Human Rights Network strongly welcomes the intervention by Canada and the Netherlands in the genocide case against Burma at the International Court of Justice. The case was brought to the ICJ last year by the Gambia. The two joining nations have said they will aid in the legal complexities of the case with an emphasis on gender-based violence and rape.
“The involvement of Canada and the Netherlands is a tremendous example for the rest of the world of how to stand on the right side of history. The additional resources and expertise will be invaluable in prosecuting the case that genocide was committed against the Rohingya, along with several other crimes against humanity. We urge all nations to follow the example of these two nations and help ensure that justice can finally be brought for the Rohingya,” Said BHRN’s Executive Director, Kyaw Win.
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Yangon/London -- Burma Human Rights Network is alarmed by new escalations from the Burmese army in Rakhine State which will put countless lives in danger and defy orders from the International Court of Justice. The Rakhine State's Ministry of Security and Border Affairs issued a directive on 24 June, stating that the Tatmadaw will conduct clearance operations against Arakan Army in Kyauktan administrative circle, Rathaeduang Township.
“The announcement of new clearance operations, along with reports of fresh skirmishes, is extremely concerning. Burma is putting countless Rakhine and Rohingya civilian lives at risk needlessly and in defiance of the ICJ’s provisional measures to prevent further harm to the Rohingya. These attacks are also being done despite calls from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to halt conflict as nations struggle to address Covid- 19 and ensure the health of their citizens,” said BHRN Executive Director, Kyaw Win.
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Yangon/London – Burma Human Rights Network calls on the Burmese Government to enact a law specifically regarding hate crimes, increasing prison sentences for violent crimes accompanied with bigotted language or intent, after a Muslim youth was brutally murdered by a Buddhist monk, who is also an ex-soldier. On 18 June, 16-year-old Ko Ko Zaw was stabbed to death by U Nanda Biwuntha, who is also known by his layperson name, Tun Naing Win. Tun Naing Win is 42 years old and is from Aung Myay Gone Village monastery.
“Currently Burma has no law regarding hate crimes even as anti-Muslim violence has plagued the country for years. It is an important measure to offer some protection or avenue for justice to minorities who come under attack because of their religion or ethnicity. With elections only months away, civil society organizations in Burma must take the lead to denounce these horrible crimes and push for legislation to address them at a time when Muslims will be most vulnerable to violence and scapegoating,” said BHRN’s Executive Director, Kyaw Win.
