UN Member States Urged to Pursue Accountability for Rohingya Genocide

Strategic Insights -

The United Nations member states have been called upon to pursue accountability for genocide and other atrocities committed against the Rohingya people in Myanmar. August 25 marks Rohingya Genocide Remembrance Day, commemorating the start of the Myanmar military's genocidal attacks against Rohingya civilians in 2017, which led to the forced deportation of at least 700,000 Rohingya people to neighboring Bangladesh. Despite the passing of eight years since the start of the attacks, no one has been held criminally responsible, with the U.N. Security Council being urged to refer the situation in Myanmar to the International Criminal Court.

Key Takeaways:

  • 58 groups, including Fortify Rights, have issued a joint statement calling on UN member states to pursue accountability for genocide and other atrocities committed against Rohingya civilians in Myanmar.
  • The statement notes that a UN Security Council referral of the situation in Myanmar to the International Criminal Court (ICC) would ensure comprehensive accountability for crimes committed against all communities in Myanmar.
  • The groups also call on all UN member states to exercise universal jurisdiction to initiate or support criminal prosecutions of those responsible for crimes.
  • Myanmar authorities have been accused of making "extensive and systematic preparations" for attacks against Rohingya civilians in the weeks and months prior to the militant attacks on August 25, 2017, indicating premeditated genocidal intent.
  • A 2019 report from the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission established by the U.N. Human Rights Council found evidence of genocide and crimes against humanity.
  • The US government has issued a determination that Myanmar's military committed genocide against the Rohingya.
  • Since the Myanmar military's attempted coup in 2021, the Rohingya continue to suffer grave risks and ongoing persecution, with the junta's movement restrictions and aid blockages causing widespread hunger and avoidable civilian deaths.
  • The Myanmar junta and Rohingya armed groups have unlawfully conscripted Rohingya in Bangladesh and Myanmar to fight in the ongoing conflict against the ethnic Rakhine armed group, the Arakan Army (AA).
  • The AA has committed serious violations of the laws of war against Rohingya civilians, including murder, mutilation, and torture.
  • Fortify Rights has documented how the AA have systematically abducted, tortured, killed, and beheaded Rohingya civilians.

Statistics:

  • At least 700,000 Rohingya people were forced to flee northern Rakhine State to neighboring Bangladesh in 2017.
  • 57 organizations, including Fortify Rights, have joined the joint statement calling for accountability.
  • The UN Security Council has been urged to refer the situation in Myanmar to the International Criminal Court (ICC) to ensure comprehensive accountability.
  • The AA has committed over 100 civilian killings in August 2024 alone.
  • The Myanmar junta has been accused of causing widespread hunger and avoidable civilian deaths through its movement restrictions and aid blockages.

Sources:

  • Fortify Rights
  • United Nations Human Rights Council
  • U.S. government
  • Independent International Fact-Finding Mission
  • 57 other organizations