The Burma Human Rights Network (BHRN) welcomes the announcement by the International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim Khan seeking an arrest warrant for Myanmar military junta leader Min Aung Hlaing for crimes against humanity, including the deportation and persecution of the Rohingya. This development is a critical step toward addressing the impunity that has emboldened the military junta to commit widespread atrocities for decades.
"This action sends a clear message that justice is not beyond reach for those who have orchestrated and carried out mass atrocities in Myanmar," said Kyaw Win, Executive Director of BHRN. "However, justice for the Rohingya must be part of a broader accountability framework that includes addressing crimes committed against Myanmar’s other Muslim minorities and the wider population since the coup. The international community must work to ensure that no victim is left behind and that Myanmar’s military junta is held accountable for its ongoing crimes."
Min Aung Hlaing has directed widespread atrocities as the leader of Myanmar’s military junta. In 2017, he led the junta’s genocidal campaign against the Rohingya, driving over 700,000 people to flee to Bangladesh through mass killings, sexual violence, and forced displacement. Since the 2021 coup, his junta has deepened Myanmar’s crisis, unleashing brutal attacks on civilians, including acts of torture, indiscriminate airstrikes, and the systematic burning of villages, all while continuing the genocide against the Rohingya.
While the ICC’s focus on the Rohingya crisis is a significant and welcome step, BHRN emphasizes the need for a broader approach to justice. Crimes against other Muslim minorities, as well as pro-democracy activists and ethnic and religious minority communities, remain unaddressed. These groups have endured systematic persecution and devastating violations that demand urgent international accountability.
BHRN stresses the urgent need for the United Nations Security Council to refer the entire situation in Myanmar to the International Criminal Court. Such a referral would allow the ICC to investigate and prosecute the full range of crimes committed by the military junta, ensuring that all victims of its brutality have a chance at justice.
"The ICC’s action is a pivotal moment, but justice must extend to all communities who have suffered under the military junta’s reign of terror," said Kyaw Win. "Only by addressing the full spectrum of crimes in Myanmar can we begin to dismantle the decades-long cycle of impunity and pave the way for a future of accountability and human rights for all."
Organisation’s Background
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.
Media Enquiries
Please contact:
Kyaw Win
Executive Director
Burma Human Rights Network (BHRN)
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T: +44(0) 740 345 2378
Richard S. Potter
Researcher
Burma Human Rights Network (BHRN)
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T: +1 724 714 3950
BHRN's Press Release PDF File
