London, UK -- BHRN welcomes the 27 December United Nations General Assembly passage of a resolution condemning the brutal abuses against Burma’s Rohingya by state forces and encourages members to support solid actions to resolve the situation. The resolution, a non-binding condemnation, was supported by the vast number of states in the UNGA, with nine voting against it and 28 abstaining.
“The 134 nations who voted to condemn the abuses against the Rohingya by Burma’s security forces have sent a clear message that the world opposed such brutality and they must support that message with decisive action. These nations must also sanction and cut ties with the Burmese military and their business cronies. Similarly, their support for the cases against Burma at the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court are vital to ensuring that such abuses cannot continue,” Said BHRN’s Executive Director, Kyaw Win.
The case against Burma at the International Court of Justice was raised by The Gambia and arguments from Gambia and Burma were raised at public hearings between December 10th and 12th. So far only Canada, The Netherlands, and nations from the Organization for Islamic Cooperation have publicly supported Gambia’s case. On 14 November 2019, the International Criminal Court authorized a separate investigation into crimes committed by Burma, specifically the forced deportation of Rohingya into Bangladesh.
The 134 Nations that voted to condemn Burma’s abuses against the Rohingya must also take further actions to demonstrate the sincerity of their votes. The ICJ and ICC cases must be supported by these nations, particularly the most powerful and influential among them. These nations must also introduce increased sanctions against the Burmese Military and their business cronies as a punishment for their crimes and a deterrent from committing future abuses. Military ties to Burma must be cut by these nations and the sale of weapons and military equipment to Burma must cease. These measures would not only send a message to Burma that their actions will not be tolerated but would prevent Burma from maintaining the capacity to continue committing them.
Background on the Burma Human Rights Network (BHRN)
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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T: +44(0) 740 345 2378
BHRN's Press Release PDF
