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London, UK -- Burma Human Rights Network strongly welcomes efforts by the Gambia to bring Burma before the International Court of Justice for violating the UN’s Genocide Convention. The move brings hope to the Rohingya who have faced decades of severe persecution by the country’s military and government. In 2016 and 2017 a major military campaign that involved countless cases of rape, murder, and torture displaced nearly a million Rohingya from the country.
“We are extremely grateful to the Gambia for bringing this case to the ICJ. This action has given tremendous hope to those who have suffered so greatly and found the world to be cold and indifferent to their plight. We call on the ICJ to adopt the case so that justice for the Rohingya and other ethnic minorities in Burma can finally be a reality,” said BHRN’s Executive Director, Kyaw Win.
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London, U.K. -- With the 34th ASEAN Summit occurring this weekend BHRN strongly urges member nations to use their platforms to hold Burma accountable for crimes committed against minorities inside the country. While ASEAN takes a non-interference stance on internal affairs of member states, the actions of Burma are so particularly egregious that an exception must be made. The actions committed against minorities in Burma have also had an especially detrimental impact on neighbouring states as well, as millions of refugees fleeing conflict have sought refuge and safety over the years.
“ASEAN nations are in a unique position of influence to hold Burma accountable for actions which cause severe harm to minority populations and disturb the well being of ASEAN nations. The many conflicts in Burma have spilled over into neighbouring states and as conflict and human rights violations continue this will only get worse. ASEAN nations must use their platform now to voice concerns to prevent even greater tragedies and disruptions from occurring,” Said Kyaw Win, BHRN’s Executive Director.
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London, UK -- After a group of Rohingya fleeing recent violence and robberies, BHRN is alarmed that the current situation may result in further displacement Rohingya still living in Burma. On October 7th, reports and video emerged of Rohingya families who said their property had been looted and livestock killed by unknown armed men in Sin Khon Tine Village, Rathedaung Township. Shortly after families from the same area fled to the border region to attempt Bangladesh as refugees. The following day, a Rohingya man in Buthidaung township was shot in the head and killed while fishing, reportedly by Burmese soldiers. These incidents are occurring as a conflict between the Arakan Army and the Burmese Army continues and seems to be used as a cover for violence against Rohingya in nearby areas.
