23^rd January 2020 — London, UK — Burma Human Rights Network heartily welcomes the decision of the International Court of Justice to impose Provisional Measures on Burma while the case investigating Genocide against the Rohingya proceeds. With these measures comes the responsibility of the international community to apply as much pressure as possible to ensure that Burma, the Burmese Military, and Aung San Suu Kyi comply with the court’s orders.

“Today is a great day for justice and finally brings hope for so many Rohingya who felt forgotten by the world for too long. Now that Burma is realizing that the world may not stand for their crimes any longer it is vital that all parties in the international community use all tools at their disposal to ensure that Burma complies with the ICJ’s orders. Then as the case continues there will truly be hope that justice for the Rohingya may prevail,” Said BHRN’s Executive Director, Kyaw Win.

The ICJ unanimously ruled that Burma must take measures to protect the Rohingya from Genocide, that Burma must prevent the Military from committing acts of Genocide, that Burma must take steps to prevent the destruction of evidence of Genocide, and that Burma must file a report with the ICJ in four months documenting what steps they have done to ensure these measures are met and every six months thereafter until the case concludes. The court, unfortunately, did not approve a measure to allow independent investigators into Burma which would have greatly aided the case and the protection of the Rohingya.

BHRN has also followed with great concern an increase in hate speech in Burma before and after the events at the ICJ. The world should monitor Burma closely in the coming days and take steps to ensure Burma prevents any violence towards the Rohingya or non-Rohingya Muslims in Burma in reaction to the ICJ’s decision.

With this ruling, there is now greater hope for justice for the Rohingya than in recent memory. It is the duty of the international community to ensure it can be fulfilled. Burma must be made to understand that failure to comply with this ruling will have consequences including further sanctions, isolation, and other measures. The Gambia must be commended for their amazing work bringing this case to the ICJ and providing hope for the Rohingya at a time they feared the world had turned a blind eye to them.

Organisation’s Background

BHRN is based in London, operates across Burma and works for human rights, minority rights and religious freedom in Burma. BHRN has played a crucial role 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)

E: [email protected]

T: +44(0) 740 345 2378

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