JAKARTA – Regional lawmakers today welcomed the decision by the International Criminal Court (ICC) to authorize the ICC’s prosecutor to proceed with an investigation into some of the possible crimes perpetrated against the Rohingya.
The cycle of violence and crimes against ethnic minorities in Myanmar have been ongoing for decades, and have been allowed to continue in no small part because of the rampant impunity in the country, said ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR). There cannot be peace in Myanmar, or the safe return of refugees and displaced persons, without justice.
This week, the Gambia also accused Myanmar of genocide before the International Court of Justice, and Rohingya activists filed a lawsuit in an Argentinean court under the universal jurisdiction for crimes against humanity and war crimes.
“After the events of this week, generals in Naypyitaw must get the message loud and clear that times of total impunity for their crimes are coming to an end,” said Charles Santiago, a Member of Parliament of Malaysia, and APHR Board Chair.
APHR also urged ASEAN countries to play a greater role in international efforts to tackle the root causes of the situation in Myanmar.
“These cases for crimes against the Rohingya are not the whole story. For decades the Myanmar Army has waged a campaign of violence against ethnic minorities across the country. As long as it can commit crimes unchecked, without consequences, it will continue to do so.”
“If ASEAN is serious about ending the waves of displacement, it must stop turning a blind eye to the core of the problem and support accountability efforts. ASEAN member states risk being on the wrong side of history if they fail to take meaningful measures to address these crimes,” added Charles Santiago.
This week’s events are only the beginning of a long road towards justice. While they are welcomed, it is important to keep in mind that these cases are limited to certain crimes in certain areas, APHR said.
“The international community should not use these developments as an excuse to shy away from its responsibilities to ensure justice for all in Myanmar. It must refer the situation of Myanmar as a whole to the ICC to ensure that all victims of international crimes get a chance to see justice,” said Teddy Baguilat, former parliamentarian from the Philippines and APHR Board Member.
