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Editorial

World Court rejects Myanmar objections to genocide case

Gear up efforts to find a durable solution to the Rohingya crisis


Bangladeshpost
Published : 24 Jul 2022 09:17 PM

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) on July 22, 2022, rejected Myanmar’s preliminary objections to the case brought by Gambia under the international Genocide Convention. The case concerns Myanmar’s alleged genocide against the ethnic Rohingya population in Rakhine State, with a focus on military operations launched in October 2016 and August 2017.

The Rohingya people have faced decades of systematic discrimination, statelessness and targeted violence in Rakhine State, Myanmar. Such persecution has forced Rohingya women, girls, boys and men into Bangladesh for many years, with significant spikes following violent attacks in 1978, 1991-1992, and again in 2016. Yet it was August 2017 that triggered by far the largest and fastest refugee influx into Bangladesh. In Myanmar, entire villages were burned to the ground, families were separated and killed, and women and girls were gang raped. 

Most of the people who escaped were severely traumatized after witnessing unspeakable atrocities. These people found temporary shelter in refugee camps around Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, which is now home to the world’s largest refugee camp.

We expect a more vigorous role of the 

international community on the

 diplomatic front to compel 

Myanmar to take back the Rohingyas

The Rohingyas continue to remain the world’s most persecuted minority. When acts of genocide do occur, it leaves lasting memories for the victims, and this could be psychologically destabilizing for children growing up in camps. Many observers believe that the Rohingya refugees are a ticking time-bomb which the authorities concerned must address in no time.

Considering all above it can be said that if the Rohingya crisis is left unsolved in the coming days, a number of threats will emerge to jeopardize stability, peace and security of the entire region. Now the question is, whether or not Myanmar will move from a policy of trickling and tricking of Rohingyas rehabilitation to a more whole-hearted approach.

Over the last five years, displaced Rohingyas have appeared as a serious burden on the economy and environment of Bangladesh. Needles to say, Bangladesh wants to resolve the Rohingya crisis through peaceful negotiation and the country expects similar reciprocity from Myanmar and international community. It is crucial that the international community continues to maintain pressure on Myanmar to create a conducive environment so that the Rohingya refugees can return to their homeland with safety, security and dignity. We expect a more vigorous role of the international community on the diplomatic front to compel Myanmar to take back the Rohingyas.