The International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Friday dismissed all of Burma’s preliminary objections to the alleged genocide of Rohingya ethnic minorities by military rulers.
The Gambia filed a proceeding in November 2019 alleging that Burma, also known as Myanmar, had genocide against a minority to “destroy all or part of the Rohingya group.”
The Government of Burma stated that The Gambia was not in a position to file a proceeding in the International Court of Justice and filed four preliminary oppositions to challenge the jurisdiction of the court and the admissibility of the application.
The court unanimously dismissed three of Burma’s objections (pdf), And one objection by a 15: 1 majority. ICJ President Joan Donoghue said the court had jurisdiction over the case and the Gambian application was “acceptable.”
“The court is in a position to exercise Myanmar’s liability as a party to the Genocide Convention for allegations of breach of duty under Articles I, III, IV and V of the Convention. I conclude. ” ..
The ICJ said all states that signed the 1948 Genocide Convention “have a common interest in ensuring the prevention, control and punishment of genocide.”
The court may dismiss Burma’s preliminary objection and allow the proceedings to proceed to trial.
President Tun Khin of the British Rohingya organization welcomed the court’s decision and said it provided an opportunity to challenge the Burmese military immunity.
“The objection raised by Burma is nothing more than a blatant delay tactic. We are pleased that this groundbreaking genocide trial is finally in full swing,” Thun Kin said in a statement to the British government. Called for participation in.
Elaine Pearson, acting director of Asia at Human Rights Watch, said in a statement that the court’s decision “opens the door to delinquency in light of the Myanmar military’s murder campaign against the Rohingya population.”
“Extensive and systematic”
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken declared in March that the Burmese army had genocide against the Rohingya in a “wide and systematic” manner, with clear evidence of its intention to destroy all or part of the minority group. Said there is.
In response, the Burmese junta rejected Blinken’s declaration, claiming it was a “political motive” and accusing the United States of interfering with the internal affairs of the sovereign state.
Rohingya have been denied citizenship in the country since the enactment of the Burmese Citizenship Act in 1982. united nations More than 700,000 Rohingya have fled to Bangladesh due to the 2017 military crackdown.
According to the United Nations, the same military government expelled an elected civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi in February last year, causing widespread anti-coup protests in Burma, killing 1,600 people.
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Aldgra Fredly is a Malaysia-based freelance writer featuring the Epoch Times Asia Pacific News.