More than 130 lawmakers from five countries in Southeast Asia have called on the UN Security Council to refer Myanmar to the International Criminal Court (ICC) over atrocities committed by Myanmar security forces against the Rohingya in Rakhine State.
“One year has passed since the Myanmar military launched its murderous operation in Rakhine State, yet we are no closer to seeing those responsible brought to justice. As Myanmar is clearly both unwilling and unable to investigate itself, we are now at a stage where the international community must step in to ensure accountability,” said Malaysian lawmaker Charles Santiago on behalf of the 132 signatories of the statement.
The statement asserts that “there are reasonable grounds to believe that the crimes perpetrated in Rakhine State against the Rohingya constitute genocide and crimes against humanity.”
Myanmar is not a signatory to the Rome Statute, so the ICC does not have jurisdiction over the country, and only the Security Council can trigger an investigation by the court.
The lawmakers acknowledged the internal investigations launched by the Myanmar military and by the civilian government, describing them as “woefully inadequate.”
“Time has run out for Myanmar’s internal procedures which have only meant to deflect international pressure and are not mandated to seek genuine accountability. ASEAN countries must set aside their destructive ‘non-interference’ policy and take genuine action. Justice for the Rohingya is an issue that goes beyond regional politics – it concerns humanity as a whole. We cannot allow these atrocities to take place in one of our member countries with complete impunity,” said Indonesian lawmaker Eva Kusuma Sundari.
The signatories called on ASEAN governments to pressure Naypyidaw to “[abolish] all
discriminatory policies and practices in order to address the root causes of the crisis” and “grant immediate and unconditional access into Rakhine State, particularly for humanitarian aid groups, independent observers, and local and international media.”
Kusuma said: “The fact that more than 100 sitting parliamentarians from across the region are willing to speak up shows the level of regional support for the Rohingya, and for human rights. Governments must now follow suit and condemn Myanmar for its horrific policies and practices. We are combining our voices with all those around the globe that are demanding the world stand up to atrocity crimes and bring those responsible to account.”
The signatories include MPs from Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Timor-Leste.
Yangontar says
I am Min Aung Hlaing!
Yangontar says
We are shaking with fear about the Jihadi allies from ASEAN countries and thanks for the name and address so that we would know when you apply for entry Visa into our country. Burma is NOT ancient Afganistan, India, Malaysia, Indonesia where Buddhist were defenseless and fell to the sword of Islam. Burma Army is strong and united with the people of Burma to fight externalJihadi Muslim and internal threat would be eliminated forever without mercy. So don’t fuck with Burma and you would be sorry, just ask ARSA!