WASHINGTON — The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued a stern warning to those responsible for escalating violations of international law in northern Rakhine, a region in western Myanmar that borders Bangladesh. ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan has made it clear that individuals involved in these ongoing violations could face prosecution by the ICC.
The ICC’s investigation primarily targets past atrocities committed by myanmar’s military, especially the brutal crackdown on the Rohingya population between 2016 and 2017. However, Khan emphasized that the court’s mandate also covers ongoing violations, provided they fall within the scope of international crimes.
In an exclusive interview with Voice of America (VOA) conducted via Zoom on Monday, Khan confirmed that additional legal actions are in the works. This comes after his office filed an application for an arrest warrant against Senior General Min Aung Hlaing on November 27.
while the current focus remains on crimes against the Rohingya in Rakhine, Khan’s mention of additional applications suggests that the ICC may expand its investigation to include other crimes. Notably, Myanmar is not a party to the Rome Statute, which governs the ICC. However, the court’s jurisdiction in the rakhine cases is upheld because many victims have sought refuge in Bangladesh, a state party to the statute.
The Rohingya, a Muslim minority group, have faced decades of persecution in Myanmar. The 2017 military crackdown forced over 700,000 Rohingya to flee to Bangladesh. The ICC’s ongoing investigation centers on alleged crimes committed during this period, including atrocities against the Rohingya. Sence 2019, the ICC has been examining crimes against humanity linked to the 2016-2017 violence.
The following interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.
VOA: How important is this arrest warrant for Senior General Min Aung Hlaing in addressing impunity in Myanmar?
ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan: “I think it’s vrey crucial that the victims, the Rohingya people, and many Burmese throughout Myanmar want justice and accountability. This is an issue the office has been examining as 2019. it’s the first time my office has applied for arrest warrants in Southeast Asia, and the first warrant in the Myanmar-Bangladesh situation.
I beleive this demonstrates our commitment to doing the best we can,with the resources available,to treat every human life equally. It doesn’t matter the colour of someone’s skin, their religion, nationality, or where they are from. We are doing our best to apply the law equally and ensure accountability for those responsible for the enormous suffering the victims have endured, and continue to endure, due to the very serious crimes we allege took place.”
VOA: Are further actions expected to be taken against others?
ICC Prosecutor Khan: “Yes, absolutely. When I announced the application for arrest warrants, I also informed the Rohingya community and stated more broadly that additional applications would follow. I believe this is necessary because the scale of the alleged criminality is vast. Many individuals might potentially be involved, and we need to send a clear message that we follow the evidence.
In relation to ongoing violations, people have a choice: they can either comply with the law or continue ignoring the rights of individuals and the principles of international law. If they choose the latter, we have the International Criminal Court, and we have jurisdiction because Bangladesh is a state party.”
VOA: How does the ICC address jurisdictional challenges, given that Min Aung Hlaing has rejected the ICC’s jurisdiction?
ICC Prosecutor Khan: “That’s a great question. As you mentioned, Myanmar is not a state party to the Rome Statute and has not signed up. This means our jurisdiction is limited. However, our jurisdiction arises because its neighboring country, Bangladesh, is a state party. The judges of the International Criminal Court determined that when one of the elements of an offense takes place on the territory of a state party — like Bangladesh — we have jurisdiction.
In this case, we have jurisdiction because Bangladesh is a state party, and we are alleging the crimes of persecution and deportation. Deportation involves the crossing of international borders into the territory of another state, in this case, Bangladesh. This is what gives rise to our jurisdiction in this case.”
The ICC’s actions underscore its commitment to holding those responsible for human rights violations accountable, regardless of their position or influence. As the investigation continues, the international community will be watching closely to see how these legal proceedings unfold and what impact they may have on the ongoing crisis in Myanmar.
ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan on Rohingya Justice: A Global Call for Accountability
Table of Contents
The International Criminal Court (ICC) is making strides in its pursuit of justice for the Rohingya people, a community that has endured decades of persecution and displacement. ICC Prosecutor Karim khan recently emphasized the critical role of collaboration with the Rohingya community and international partners in building a credible case against those responsible for atrocities.
khan underscored the importance of partnerships with the Rohingya diaspora, both in Bangladesh and across the globe. “the Rohingya community has endured so much for many years,” Khan said. “From 1978 to 1991, in 1992, and, of course, during the events of 2016 and 2017. We have done as much as we can to build and strengthen bonds with the Rohingya community.”
the Rohingya,a Muslim minority in Myanmar,have faced systemic violence and discrimination,culminating in a brutal military crackdown in 2017 that forced hundreds of thousands to flee to neighboring Bangladesh. Despite their suffering, the community remains resolute in their belief that justice is their birthright.
During a visit to the Kutupalong refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar, Khan was moved by the resilience of the Rohingya women he met. “What they said was simple but profoundly deep: ‘We belong to Myanmar. We, the Rohingya, belong to Myanmar. We want justice,'” Khan recounted. These powerful words have become a guiding principle for the ICC’s efforts.
A Message of Hope for Victims Worldwide
khan’s message extends beyond the Rohingya case, serving as a rallying cry for victims of atrocities everywhere. “Justice is the birthright of every baby, every woman, and every man around the world,” he asserted. “It flows from being a member of the human race.”
The ICC prosecutor emphasized that the law is not the exclusive domain of prosecutors, judges, or lawyers. Instead, it is a global safeguard against those who abuse power. “you don’t have a license to do whatever you want,” Khan warned. “You have an obligation to comply with minimum standards of behavior—standards that prohibit genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.”
A Call to Action for Global Solidarity
Khan’s remarks also highlighted the need for collective action. “We cannot be mere spectators,” he said. “Don’t leave it to the Office of the Prosecutor. don’t leave it to the International Criminal Court alone. Raise your own voice and be defenders of humanity.”
He urged people around the world to recognize their shared humanity and take a stand against injustice. “If we all feel that we are our brother’s and sister’s keeper—that we are citizens of this stunning planet—we can make a difference,” khan said. “But if we succumb to despair and despondency, we will witness more and more catastrophes around the world.”
The ICC’s efforts to seek justice for the Rohingya are not just a legal endeavor but a moral imperative. As Khan noted, the relevance of the law is evident in the countless situations of suffering unfolding globally. His message is clear: accountability is within reach, but it requires a united front.
For U.S. readers, Khan’s words serve as a reminder of the importance of international cooperation in addressing human rights violations. The Rohingya case is a stark example of how global partnerships can amplify the voices of the oppressed and hold perpetrators accountable, no matter how powerful they may seem.
As the ICC moves forward with its case, the world watches closely. The Rohingya’s fight for justice is a testament to the enduring power of hope and the unwavering belief that, no matter the odds, accountability will prevail.
### ICC Prosecutor Karim khan on Rohingya Justice: A Global Call for Accountability
#### Introduction
- **context**: The International criminal Court (ICC) has issued a stern warning to those responsible for escalating violations of international law in northern Rakhine, Myanmar.
– **Key Figures**: ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan.
– **Keywords**: International Criminal Court, ICC, Rakhine, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Rohingya, international law, prosecution, Min Aung Hlaing, Rome Statute.
#### The ICC’s Investigation and Mandate
– **Focus**: The investigation primarily targets past atrocities committed by Myanmar’s military, especially the 2016-2017 crackdown on the Rohingya population.
– **Ongoing Violations**: Khan emphasized that the court’s mandate also covers ongoing violations, provided they fall within the scope of international crimes.
#### Recent Legal Actions
– **Arrest Warrant**: Khan confirmed that additional legal actions are in the works, following the filing of an arrest warrant against Senior General min Aung Hlaing on November 27.
– **Potential Expansion**: The ICC may expand its investigation to include othre crimes, despite Myanmar not being a party to the Rome Statute.
#### The Rohingya Crisis
– **Historical Context**: The Rohingya, a Muslim minority group, have faced decades of persecution in Myanmar.
– **2017 Military Crackdown**: Over 700,000 Rohingya fled to Bangladesh due to the military crackdown.
– **ICC’s Role**: The ICC has been examining crimes against humanity linked to the 2016-2017 violence as 2019.
#### Interview Highlights
– **Importance of the Arrest Warrant**:
– **VOA Question**: How vital is this arrest warrant for Senior General Min Aung Hlaing in addressing impunity in Myanmar?
– **Khan’s Response**: The arrest warrant is crucial for justice and accountability, demonstrating the ICC’s commitment to treating every human life equally.
– **Further Actions Expected**:
– **VOA Question**: Are further actions expected to be taken against others?
– **Khan’s Response**: Yes, additional applications will follow, as the scale of the alleged criminality is vast.
– **Jurisdictional Challenges**:
– **VOA Question**: How does the ICC address jurisdictional challenges, given that Min Aung Hlaing has rejected the ICCS jurisdiction?
– **Khan’s Response**: The ICC’s jurisdiction arises because Bangladesh is a state party, and the alleged crimes involve deportation into Bangladesh.
#### The ICC’s commitment to Justice
– **Global Impact**: The ICC’s actions underscore its commitment to holding those responsible for human rights violations accountable.
– **International Community**: The international community is watching closely to see how these legal proceedings unfold and their impact on the ongoing crisis in Myanmar.
#### Collaboration with the Rohingya Community
– **Partnerships**: Khan emphasized the importance of collaboration with the Rohingya community and international partners.
– **Community Engagement**: The ICC has worked to build and strengthen bonds with the Rohingya diaspora in Bangladesh and globally.
#### Conclusion
– **Call for Accountability**: The ICC’s pursuit of justice for the rohingya people is a global call for accountability, highlighting the critical role of international law in addressing human rights violations.
– **Future Outlook**: As the investigation continues, the impact of these legal proceedings on the ongoing crisis in Myanmar remains to be seen.
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This structured interview provides a comprehensive overview of the ICC’s actions and the broader context of the Rohingya crisis, emphasizing the importance of justice and accountability in the face of ongoing violations of international law.
