U.N. court rejects Myanmar’s opposition to Rohingya genocide case

The Washington Post

By Rebecca Tan
Updated July 22, 2022

The decision paves the way for hearings that will examine evidence of alleged atrocities

Demonstrators outside The Hague on July 22 step on an image of Min Aung Hlaing, Myanmar's military ruler. (Peter Dejong/AP)

The United Nations’ top court ruled Friday that a case accusing Myanmar of committing genocide against Rohingya Muslims can proceed, paving the way for hearings that will examine the state’s culpability in violence that drove nearly 1 million Rohingya from their homes.

U.N. Warns: A Bloodbath In Myanmar Is Imminent

Forbes

Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab
Contributor Policy

On March 31, 2021, U.N. Special Envoy on Myanmar, Ms. Schraner Burgener, called upon the U.N. Security Council to “consider all available tools to take collective action and do what is right, what the people of Myanmar deserve and prevent a multi-dimensional catastrophe in the heart of Asia.” She stressed that “the ground situation will only worsen,” meaning “a bloodbath is imminent.”

This screengrab provided via AFPTV video footage taken on April 1, 2021, shows protesters, wearing ... [+] AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES

This highly concerning warning is supported by data. According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), total number of people killed stands at 550 since February 1, 2021, with at least 46 children. The youngest victims is a seven year-old girl, Khin Myo Chit. In addition, more than 2,750 people have been detained, including 38 sentenced. The AAPP further reports attacks and looting in villages and central Gant Gaw town in Magwe Region. “The perpetrators looted kitchen knives, money, mobile phones and jewelry. Over ten thousand residents hence fled into the forest. Number of villagers fleeing homes across Burma is rapidly increasing.” They further warn that on April 1, 2021, “junta forces ordered internet providers to shut down all wireless broadband services until further notice. Alongside the 47 nightly internet cut and 18 days of a mobile data shutdown. As a result, only a small percentage of individuals can access the internet in Burma. These oppressive measures intend to even further disrupt internal communication and silence the voice of the people.” The timing of the internet shutdown should not be seen as a coincidence. The atrocities are likely to continue when Myanmar is in the “dark.”

U.N says it is 'essential' that aid work continue in Myanmar after military coup

REUTERS

Reuters Staff
FEBRUARY 12, 2021

Demonstrators march with signs to protest against the military coup and demand for the release of elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi, in Yangon, Myanmar, February 12, 2021. REUTERS/Stringer

(Reuters) - The United Nations said on Friday it is essential that lifesaving humanitarian assistance continue to be delivered in Myanmar, after a military coup on Feb. 1 that has sparked mass protests across the country.

“The UN and its partners have, for many years, been responding to humanitarian needs caused by conflict and natural disasters in Myanmar,” said Ola Almgren, the U.N. Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Myanmar.