Rohingya Development Media

08/04/2022

03/04/2022

“ Wishes A Very Blessed to & May ALLAH Bestow us with Stronger Unity & Faith in this Holy Month.”

26/03/2022

United States and Allies Impose Additional Sanctions on the Burmese Military Regime

As we approach one year since the horrific violence perpetrated by the Burmese military on Armed Forces Day 2021, in which more than 100 people were killed, the United States is imposing sanctions on five Burmese individuals and five entities in response to the regime’s brutal crackdown against th...

27/02/2022

10 lakh rewards for handing over Rohingya terrorists Nobi Hussain

RDM | 27 February 2022

Cox’s Bazar-34 BGB commander Lieutenant Colonel Mehedi Hossain Kabir said a reward of Tk 10 lakh would be given if armed and yaba dealer Rohingya Nabi Hossain alias Naibba was handed over.

For the first time, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has announced a reward for capturing a Rohingya.

The BGB poster has been seen in and around 34 Rohingya camps in and around Ukhia and Teknaf in Cox’s Bazar for a week.

He said the Nobi Hussain was in control of a large part of the camp-centric armaments and smuggling of yaba. The involvement of members of the Nobi Hussain’s party has also increased with Crystal M**h or Ice. Nobi Hussain is now the main target of BGB. There are several cases of arms and yaba in his name in different police stations.

Mahbubur Rahman, president of the Rohingya Prevention Committee, said, “It is unthinkable for us that Rohingya terrorists have been created in Bangladesh to announce awards.” If such terrorist forces are formed then they need to be suppressed quickly. But the biggest demand is the speedy repatriation of Rohingyas.

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24/02/2022

Russia attacks Ukraine: Is this World War III?

International | 24 February 2022

Russia’s declaration of war on Ukraine has prompted outrage from across the world with nations and people alike condemning President Vladimir Putin’s act.

While he has claimed that it’s a military action in Ukraine, explosions could be heard soon after in the capital Kyiv and other parts of the country. Putin also called on Ukrainian service members to “lay down their arms and go home”, adding that the special military action was meant for “demilitarisation and denazification” of Ukraine.

Also Read: Ukraine war: Twitter shares a list of to-dos to control tweets in conflict zones Meanwhile, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenksy said he was unsuccessful at seeking talks with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Zelensky stated that a “major war in Europe” could be started by Russia soon.

As his statement comes amid Ukraine facing threats of the Russian invasion, netizens also took to Twitter to share their fears that the Russia-Ukraine crisis might trigger a World War 3 like situation. While several shared a serious concern of Russia’s attack on Ukraine, others posted funny memes, trying to make light of the ensuing situation.

The Russia-Ukraine crisis

Russia declared war on Ukraine on Thursday, February 24 with Russian President Vladimir Putin calling it a military operation.

Putin has also warned other nations not to interfere with the Russian action as it would result in “consequences they have never seen”. Soon after his announcement, big explosions were witnessed in Ukraine’s Kyiv, Kharkiv and other regions.

Later, air sirens also went off in Kyiv, indicating that the capital is under attack. Meanwhile, Ukraine has closed its air space for civilian flights due to a “high risk” to safety amid Russia’s declaration of war on the country. Besides, The United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting at the request of Ukraine on Wednesday night.

On February 21, Russia recognised the independence of two separatist regions in eastern Ukraine after President Vladimir Putin signed decrees to recognise Ukraine’s regions of “Luhansk and Donetsk People’s Republics” as “independent”.

The move escalated tensions in the region, heightening fears of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Putin also ordered Russian soldiers into eastern Ukraine in what the Kremlin termed a “peacekeeping” mission in the Moscow-backed regions.

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22/02/2022

UNHCR: Solution to Rohingya crisis lies in Myanmar

RDM | 22 February 2022

The solution to the protracted Rohingya crisis lies with Myanmar and a political solution is absolutely necessary, United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees Kelly T Clements has said.

Following the military coup in February 2021, working with the government in Myanmar has been more difficult than in previous years, she said.

“Obviously, the solution is in Myanmar. A political solution and a broader solution to the crisis is absolutely necessary,” the deputy high commissioner noted in an exclusive interview with Dhaka Tribune on Thursday at a local hotel.

When asked about a possible timeframe for an end to the crisis, she said, “You know the solution lies in Myanmar. We did not expect what happened a year ago. Let’s hope we see some resolution there before long.”

Clements, the second highest ranking official of the UNHCR, visited Bangladesh over February 13-18. During her six-day trip, she met with officials of the government of Bangladesh to discuss the ongoing response to the circumstances of the Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar and Bhashan Char.

The top UNHCR official also met with Rohingya refugees for a direct and in-depth understanding of current needs, challenges and the future. Additionally, she had discussions with donors, civil society groups, and partner organizations working on the refugee response.

In the interview, Clements, a United States diplomat, also talked about various issues, including the difficulties of working with the Myanmar government, international support and funding, radicalization in the Rohingya camps, and Bhashan Char.

She profusely praised Bangladesh for including the Rohingyas in the vaccination plan and hosting the displaced people from Rakhine who had to flee their homes to escape a genocidal crackdown by the Myanmar military and its civilian accomplices.

When asked if the international community was doing enough to end this crisis, Clements said: “I think the international community stands ready to support. And, in terms of working with the government, in terms of engagements, it has been more difficult last year than in the previous years.

“Well, of course, with the events of a year in some way we may be further,” she said, placing great emphasis on implementing some of the recommendations of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State to address some root causes, like freedom of movement, education, income generation, some sort of documentation in terms of their status.

“All of them become very important in terms of their ability to go back voluntarily. Talking about refugees, most of those who arrived in 2017 continue to want to go home. So, they talk about this. This is something we would like to support when the time is right. But, at this stage, we don’t see the possibility of a large number of people (to go back). Maybe a small number can go back. Obviously, it is going to be the choice of the refugees,” she added.

When asked about radicalization in the Rohingya camps, the official, who worked at UNHCR Bangladesh in 1992, said, “Unless people are engaged productively… Idleness is not a good situation in any environment, be it in the host communities or in the refugee centers.”

“This is where you need to engage youths and also adults in productive activities…Earning a living, educating their minds, engaged in other activities to mobilize a community. Otherwise, it’s very difficult in terms of how they become more susceptible. And, this is why we need to have good program activities,” she said.

About funding to look after the Rohingyas, Clements said, “JRP (joint response plan) in 2021 was one of the best-supported appeals anywhere in the world. At 70%, that’s quite good. Would we like 100%? Absolutely. Do we like more support? Absolutely. We do want to see the JRP for 2022 to come out as quickly as possible.”

The UNHCR does not want the eye of the world to turn away from the crisis, she said, noting the help for the host communities.

On the relocation of Rohingyas to Bhashan Char, Clements said, “It’s not so normal for us to see the refugees on an island. We are there. We reached an agreement with the government in October 2021. There were some very clear ideas that are important for the refugees to live in dignity.”

Mentioning freedom of movement, schools, health, skills developments, and income generation, she said: “We need to support the government to provide those services. The Bangladesh government thinks it is good to decongest the camps and it’s all understood. But, much more needs to be done. I think there is the potential to be a temporary home for refugees,”

The deputy high commissioner also said that movement between Bhashan Char and the mainland had started.

“That is happening. It needs to happen more. It needs to be easier. It is starting to happen,” she said.

For Rohingyas in Bhashan Char to be resilient, things like income generation, informal small little businesses to make a living, and fishing are required, Clements said.

“That is also starting. When that all comes together it could be a real community,” she said.

About Bangladesh’s efforts to ensure safety for the Rohingyas from Covid-19, Clements said that it was a credit to the government that it had taken the inclusive approach.

“They have realized that if the refugees are not vaccinated along with the host communities the risk of a spread of the virus is much greater. 340,000 refugees have had at least one shot. Some have had two doses. Now it is speeding up. Thanks to Bangladesh for its thought regarding broadly to include Rohingyas,” she said.

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22/02/2022

Myanmar/Burma: EU imposes restrictive measures on 22 individuals and 4 entities in fourth round of sanctions

RDM | 22 February 2022

The Council today adopted a fourth round of sanctions in view of the continuing grave situation and of intensifying human rights violations in Myanmar/Burma, following the military coup in the country on 1 February 2021.

The new listings target 22 persons and 4 entities, including government ministers, a member of the State Administrative Council and members of the Union Election Commission, as well as high-ranking members of the Myanmar Armed Forces (Tatmadaw). As regards the sanctioned entities, these are either state-owned companies providing substantive resources to the Tatmadaw, or private companies closely connected to the Tatmadaw’s top leadership. These companies are Htoo Group, IGE (International Group of Enterpreneurs), Mining Enterprise 1 (ME 1) and Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE).

Restrictive measures now apply to a total of 65 individuals and 10 entities, and include an asset freeze and a prohibition from making funds available to the listed individuals and entities. In addition, a travel ban applicable to the listed persons prevents these from entering or transiting through EU territory.

Existing EU restrictive measures also remain in place. These comprise an embargo on arms and equipment that can be used for internal repression, an export ban on dual-use goods for use by the military and border guard police, export restrictions on equipment for monitoring communications that could be used for internal repression, and a prohibition on military training for and military cooperation with the Tatmadaw.

The restrictive measures come in addition to the withholding of EU financial assistance directly going to the government and the freezing of all EU assistance that may be seen as legitimising the junta.

The European Union is deeply concerned by the continuing escalation of violence in Myanmar and the evolution towards a protracted conflict with regional implications. Since the military coup, the situation has continuously and gravely deteriorated.

As a matter of priority, the EU reiterates its calls for an immediate cessation of all hostilities, and an end to the disproportionate use of force and the state of emergency. The European Union will continue to provide humanitarian assistance, in accordance with the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence. The EU reiterates its call for the full and immediate respect of international humanitarian law.

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21/02/2022

ICJ hearing is a chance to show Myanmar’s failed coup leaders that their days are numbered

RDM | 21 February 2022

Once again, the people of Myanmar are being denied justice and accountability.

At a week-long public hearing set to begin at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the Hague on Monday, the country’s illegal junta will attempt to block the case brought against it by The Gambia for breaching the Genocide Convention during the so-called “clearance operations” in 2017 that drove 750,000 Rohingya into Bangladesh.

The regime’s representatives at the hearing are expected to raise procedural objections to prevent the court moving to the substantive stage of the case, at which point the Rohingya people might expect some form of long-delayed justice.

As if to deliberately mock the international justice system, coup leader Min Aung Hlaing has nominated two individuals accused of committing serious human rights violations and subverting the rule of law—Win Shein, the regime’s minister for planning, finance and industry, and Thida oo, its attorney general—to his ICJ team.

Win Shein has been facing EU and US sanctions since last year, while the US, UK and Canada added Thida Oo to their sanctions lists on the anniversary of last year’s February 1 coup for fabricating charges against State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi in an attempt to bar her and other democratic leaders from politics.

Even the junta’s presence at the “principle judicial organ of the UN” is an affront to international law, as it is in violation of a UN General Assembly’s decision to reject the credentials of the military regime and leave the National Unity Government’s (NUG) pick for Myanmar’s permanent representative to the world body, Kyaw Moe Tun, in his seat. This resolution was unanimously endorsed last December by all 193 members of the General Assembly.

By allowing an uncredentialed and illegal military regime to represent the country anyway, the ICJ is not only flouting the decision of the General Assembly, but also undermining the democratic will of the people of Myanmar, who in November 2020 voted overwhelmingly to reject military-backed parties and embrace their country’s transition to democracy. We therefore urge all UN and international organisations, particularly judicial bodies such as the ICJ whose mandates centre on the rule of law, to desist from any action that legitimises the military junta in international affairs.

Moreover, we demand that all UN member states and UN bodies respect the democratic will of the people of Myanmar by recognising the NUG, which the vast majority see as representing their aspirations.

The case for recognition of the NUG was comprehensively made in a landmark legal opinion signed by some of the world’s leading jurisprudential experts last September, and also in a report by the Special Advisory Council for Myanmar, an independent group of international experts.

Significantly, more than 800 Rohingya survivors of genocide represented by the Geneva-based nongovernmental organisation Legal Action Worldwide (LAW) have called on the international community, including through communications to the president of the ICJ, to recognise the NUG as the legitimate government of Myanmar. The Myanmar Accountability Project (MAP)—of which we are executive directors—has also established a petition urging recognition of the NUG.

Many of LAW’s Rohingya clients, who are survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, overwhelmingly support the ICJ case and consistently state that justice, including an end to Tatmadaw impunity, is a fundamental requirement for their return to Myanmar from Bangladesh.

But these Rohingya genocide survivors, along with the rest of Myanmar’s embattled people crying out for an end to the crisis that has overwhelmed their country, are being egregiously failed by the very multilateral institutions responsible for their protection.

The UN Security Council has been neutralised by China and Russia, for whom Myanmar is a backyard for commerce and arms sales. The current chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Cambodian dictator Hun Sen, was recently rebuffed by Min Aung Hlaing when he attempted to resuscitate the regional body’s five-point plan. And the UN secretary-general’s new special envoy for Myanmar, Noeleen Heyzer, rendered herself hopelessly compromised recently when she suggested that the junta participate in a power-sharing agreement with the NUG.

In the face of these abject failures, Myanmar remains a killing field. The Rohingya’s homeland, Rakhine State, has become a vast prison camp for displaced communities, where the junta continues to act with brazen impunity. In vast swathes of the rest of Myanmar, junta forces are undertaking increasingly desperate rampages against vulnerable communities in ever more futile attempts to bring the country under their control.

Mass murder, summary executions, indiscriminate aerial bombardments and widespread arson attacks are just some of the industrial-scale human rights violations being perpetrated by the leaders of Myanmar’s failed coup.

This brings us back to the ICJ hearing. In 2019, the court unanimously imposed “provisional measures” to prevent any further genocidal acts by the military and to ensure the preservation of evidence related to possible acts of genocide.

Two years on, it’s clear these measures have failed, and that as the court has dragged its bureaucratic feet, the very crimes it is considering have continued in a widespread and systematic manner.

So we urge the ICJ to move beyond procedural wranglings to the substantive hearing of genocide against the Rohingya. The Independent Investigative Mechanism on Myanmar, a massive database of junta crimes, has extensive evidence that would prove decisive in the case against Myanmar’s military leaders.

Most importantly, the Rohingya people must have their day in court, a cathartic moment of truth telling and acknowledgment, and an essential milestone on their long road to justice and accountability.

Even if the court does move to a substantive hearing, a ruling on whether the junta has committed genocide is likely to take years. And so we also urge UN member states to take unilateral and collective steps to bring perpetrators of international crimes to justice and achieve full accountability.

The application of universal jurisdiction, under which perpetrators are pursued in national courts, is one largely untried route to justice in relation to Myanmar. The ground-breaking case by the Burmese Rohingya Organisation UK in Argentina and the criminal prosecutions which MAP will file in the coming weeks are good examples.

There must be more efforts like this to put Myanmar’s generals on notice that they will be held to account and that their days are numbered. Above all, the people of Myanmar must know that their courageous struggle for justice is supported by the outside world and that they are not forgotten.

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21/02/2022

The second trial of the ICJ in Rohingya begins today

RDM | 21 February 2022

The International Criminal Court (ICJ), the highest court in the world, is set to hear the case against Rohingya Muslims in Burma today.

The Gambia case is set to reach a four-day hearing in the ICJ court in The Hague on Monday. In the first hearing in 2019, a group led by State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi defended the case, but this time Suu Kyi is a prisoner of the coup junta. Both the military council and the NUG, which emerged after the coup, are vying for the right to represent Burma at today’s hearing.

Both groups have not yet received full international recognition as Myanmar’s legitimate government. Ko Ko Hlaing, the Minister for International Cooperation, and Daw Thida Oo, the Attorney General of the Union, have been appointed by the Military Council to face the ICJ case. They are both subject to US sanctions. The NUG has also called on the ICJ to deal with a group led by UN Ambassador to Burma Kyaw Moe Tun.

Human rights groups are urging the ICJ not to accept the Burmese military regime as a country representing human rights abuses. The NUG government has also announced that it has withdrawn its objections to the Rohingya issue from the ICJ under the NLD government. It is unknown at this time what he will do after leaving the post.

(View of the ICJ in The Hague, Netherlands, January 23, 2020)

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19/02/2022

UNHCR Deputy calls for enhanced access to education and livelihoods for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh

RDM | 19 February 2022

The United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees Kelly T. Clements and UNHCR Director for Asia and the Pacific Indrika Ratwatte undertook a joint visit to Bangladesh from 13 to 18 February, which included visits to the refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar where some one million Rohingya refugees reside, as well as to the island of Bhasan Char, and meetings with senior Government officials, local and international partners.

Throughout their visit, the Deputy High Commissioner and Director for Asia and the Pacific reiterated their sincere appreciation to the Government and people of Bangladesh for hosting Rohingya refugees who have sought protection from violence and persecution in Myanmar. They emphasized the need to continue working towards voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable return of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar while also advocating for a broader longer-term focus on education, skills development and livelihoods.

The delegation spoke with refugees to understand their needs and challenges, and the contributions they wish to make to their own future. “While refugees clearly express a desire to return home, they also feel their lives would be at risk if they did so today. Therefore, we also need to start working towards other solutions while redoubling efforts to provide access to education, skills training and livelihood opportunities for them and their generous host communities,” said Deputy High Commissioner Clements.

“The strong work of refugee volunteers throughout the pandemic ­– often as first responders – and support for their communities in the camps highlighted not only their dedication and capacity, but the opportunity to incorporate those skills into more innovative initiatives such as environmental protection,” observed Mr. Ratwatte. “Providing youth with more learning opportunities, tools and skills will allow them to build peaceful communities and contribute to a safe environment.”

Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Government and UNHCR officials noted the positive strides to support the Bangladeshi communities hosting refugees, which includes the establishment of COVID and other specialized health facilities in Cox’s Bazar town and Ukhiya upazila, as well as the first large-scale water provision and distribution scheme in southern Teknaf that will provide safe water to more than 225,000 people.

On their first visit to Bhasan Char, the delegation recognized the positive work being done by the Government and local civil society partners on the island. “Bhasan Char has the potential to become a temporary stay for the Rohingya refugees, and there has been clear improvement in the conditions and availability of services since UNHCR and UN partners began supporting the Government in October. However, its sustainability will depend on scaling up health and education services, improving access to livelihoods and income generating activities, and above all, continuing to ensure the voluntariness of relocations to the island and regular family visits to and from the mainland,” said Ms. Clements.

With return to Myanmar unlikely in the immediate future, the visit underscored the need for a more comprehensive approach to humanitarian support. This includes alternative solutions for Rohingya refugees such as resettlement to third countries for the most vulnerable with specific protection needs, and complementary pathways overseas which could include employment and educational opportunities.

UNHCR reaffirmed its commitment to continue to support both Bangladeshi and Rohingya communities, while calling on the international community to stand by the Government and people of Bangladesh until the situation in Myanmar allows for a safe, dignified, and sustainable return.

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19/02/2022

The ICJ hearing was broadcast on the ICJ website and UN web TV. We will show it live

RDM | 19 February 2022

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) will hold a hearing on February 21 on charges of genocide against Rohingya in Rakhine State.

The first day of the hearing will begin on Monday at 1:30 pm local time on the ICJ website and UN web TV. It is known that it will be shown live.

The Gambia’s application must be rejected by Myanmar under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Genocide.

The National League for Democracy (NLD) government has denied the ICJ’s jurisdiction over the case, and state adviser Aung San Suu Kyi has objected.

However, the NLD-backed National Unity Government (NUG) has issued an amended statement acknowledging the ICJ has jurisdiction.

“In the case of the ICJ, I will not be allowed to attend the NUG at the moment.
This is a court decision. The ICJ is awaiting a UN decision, and if the UN recognizes the NUG as a government, the case will be postponed for years. Therefore, the ICJ has to summon the existing group. The ICJ does not want the case to be postponed for many years, ”Htay Lwin Oo, head of the Rohingya Civil Rights Movement, wrote on his social media page this morning.

The National Unity Government has objected to the representation of the country, which could be considered official recognition of the military council if the military tribunal submits it to the International Court of Justice.

“But it is not a disappointment for NUG either. In the meantime, whether by the UN or “If the NUG is recognized as a government by the international community, the ICJ will recall the NUG government.”

More than 700,000 Rohingya fled to Bangladesh as a result of the 2017 unrest in Rakhine State.

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18/02/2022

Burmese delegation leaves to defend ICJ (General Zaw Min HTun)

RDM | 18 February 2022

The Burmese military says it has left for the Netherlands today to defend the Gambia’s application at the International Criminal Court (ICJ) over allegations of genocide against Rohingya Muslims.

Ko Ko Hlaing, Minister of International Relations; A group of 15 people led by Dr. Thida, the Minister of Law and Attorney General. I left Myanmar this morning. ICJ: I left this morning to stand trial. The rest of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials said that one group in Burma would attend online. The foreign affairs department will attend online. We have always been in the same position. There are allegations from the other side. The allegations are baseless. This is already done. Rakhine State Investigation Report; An investigation was launched in Rakhine State during the time of President Thein Sein. The government is investigating. The Tatmadaw is investigating. Then, there was a wide-ranging interview with the local people. With that, we will make it widely known that the allegations are untrue. ”

General Zaw Min Tun says the Burmese military council, which does not recognize the term Rohingya, will refute the allegations under the previous regimes.

Opposition groups called for a boycott of the International Criminal Court (ICC), saying it would be “recognized” by the opposition. The NUG government is also competing with the military council to represent the country in the Gambia and Burma case, which begins on Monday.

In the Gambia case, the former NLD government denied the ICJ’s jurisdiction, and Suu Kyi herself filed a preliminary objection. The NUG Interim Government has issued an amended statement acknowledging the ICJ’s jurisdiction.

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18/02/2022

Myanmar junta, ousted government fight for recognition at top U.N. court

RDM | 18 February 2022

Myanmar’s military junta is to take part in hearings at the top United Nations court in The Hague next week despite a complaint from political opponents that this could give it international recognition without legal standing.

The hearings will address a jurisdictional dispute arising from Gambia’s claim filed in 2019 at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), also known as the World Court, accusing Myanmar of genocide against its minority Muslim Rohingya population.

More than 730,000 Rohingya fled Myanmar after a military-led crackdown in 2017 and were forced into squalid camps across the border in Bangladesh. U.N. investigators concluded that the military campaign had been executed with “genocidal intent”.

Before the fall of Aung San Suu Kyi’s civilian government to a military coup a year ago, she disputed the genocide allegations against the military brought by Gambia, a mainly Muslim African country backed in this case by the 57-nation Organisation for Islamic Cooperation.

Now, junta representatives are expected to attend virtual hearings at the ICJ – which handles disputes between states – addressing preliminary objections to jurisdiction filed by Myanmar in January 2021. Hearings are set to begin on Monday.

A number of U.N. bodies have invited junta representatives to meetings even though the Myanmar military has no formal standing at United Nations headquarters in New York. The U.N. General Assembly’s credentials committee decided in December to defer a decision on the matter. read more

In the meantime, the credentials committee has allowed Kyaw Moe Tun, representative of the government toppled in the Feb. 1, 2021 military coup, to remain in post.

FIGHT FOR RECOGNITION

Members of the National Unity Government (NUG), a parallel administration including deposed lawmakers in exile, said earlier this week that Kyaw Moe Tun, whom it has also named to represent it in The Hague, is “the “only person authorised to engage with the court on behalf of Myanmar”.

“The junta is not the government of Myanmar,” said Christopher Sidoti, a human rights lawyer and former member of the U.N. fact-finding mission on Myanmar.

“The junta has neither the authority nor the ability to act as the government of Myanmar at home or abroad. But by appearing before the ICJ, that is exactly what it will be attempting to do,” Sidoti told Reuters.

“The Myanmar people have clearly rejected the junta, making it clear the military does not represent them,” said Tun Khin, president of the Burmese Rohingya Organisation U.K., alluding to a series of popular protests against military rule.

“All in the international community, including ICJ, should hear this, and not lend any form of legitimacy to the junta.”

The ICJ has yet to consider the merits of the genocide accusation. Suu Kyi in December 2019 called on the World Court to dismiss Gambia’s claim, denying genocide and saying the ICJ should not have jurisdiction. But the NUG said earlier this month it accepted ICJ jurisdiction to hear the allegations. read more

U.S. SANCTIONS LIST

A source at the Hague court told Reuters that the registered representatives for Myanmar were junta-appointed Ko Ko Hlaing, its envoy for international coordination, and Myanmar Union Attorney General Thida Oo, who will head an eight-member legal team for the hearings.

Both officials, who are on a U.S. Treasury sanctions list, would replace Suu Kyi, who after the coup was sentenced to six years in prison and faces a combined maximum sentence of another 150 years in a dozen other cases brought by the military.

The ICJ declined to answer Reuters’ questions about how it decides who can be accredited as state representatives in cases where a country’s government is contested, referring to its handbook. Its rules state only that communications about representatives come from a foreign ministry or embassy.

“The junta’s presence at the hearings doesn’t impart legitimacy or validate the representation of the military before the United Nations,” said Shayna Bauchner, a researcher for New York-based Human Rights Watch.

She said the more important focus should be on justice being served over atrocities against the Rohingya in Myanmar.

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