London, UK -- As testimony from The Gambia and Burma is set to begin over the coming days, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) will find itself tested as well. In the face of overwhelming evidence of Genocide committed by the Burmese military against the Rohingya population, the court will have to ensure that justice can be delivered to the victims despite significant political hurdles. Major advancements in the case, like a referral to form a tribunal, will likely go through the United Nations Security Council where China and Russia have veto power and may act preemptively to protect Burma. Background on the Burma Human Rights Network (BHRN)
“This is a challenge between the International Justice System and the genocidal generals of Burma. The credibility of international justice system may find itself questionable should it fail to deliver any legal remedy to the Rohingya crisis. Because of this, nations must ensure they put humanity before their political entanglements. Veto power comes with great moral responsibility and the misuse of it to protect one’s political interest would be a devastating blow to the morality and credibility of the international community if it allowed the perpetrators of genocide in Burma to escape any consequences,” Said BHRN’s Executive Director Kyaw Win.
On the second day of testimony, Burma’s State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi will appear on behalf of the country, despite not having any legal training. The ICJ case has helped rally political support for her party which will face a general election in 2020. By cooperating with the military and garnering the support of populists, Aung San Suu Kyi may be trying to save her political career after her party has failed to deliver significant change since they were elected. Aung San Suu Kyi and the military have a large amount of support domestically as they face the ICJ, but in contrary, the ethnic regions of the country have shown significant support for the case as many of them had themselves faced similar crimes against humanity by the military.
As the case moves forward all parties involved must remain committed to truth and justice. The outcome will have huge implications for the future of the Rohingya’s safety, dignity and human rights. The case will also send a message to the world about the ability of the ICJ and UNSC to deliver justice. Should politics overtake truth and morality then the credibility of UNSC will suffer terribly.
BHRN is based in London and operates across Burma/Myanmar working for human rights, minority rights and religious freedom in the country. BHRN has played a crucial role in advocating for human rights and religious freedom with politicians and world leaders.
Please contact:
Kyaw Win
Executive Director
Burma Human Rights Network (BHRN)
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BHRN's Press Release PDF
