OIC for filing case against Rakhine’s human rights violation

The OIC Islamic Summit Conference has called for launching the case of Myanmar's human rights violations against Rohingya at the International Court of Justice on behalf of the organisation.

Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) insisted on international, independent and transparent investigations into the human rights violations in Myanmar, including sexual violence and aggression against children and to hold accountable responsible for brutal acts.

The 14th Islamic Summit Conference held at the Makkah Al-Mukarramah in Saudi Arabia on May 31 adapted a joint communique that affirmed its support for the ad hoc ministerial committee on human rights violations against the Rohingyas in Myanmar.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, while delivering speech at the conference had sought OIC help in establishing justice of the Rohingya and ensuring their repatriation from Bangladesh.

Some 750,000 Rohingya fled brutal military atrocities in Myanmar's Rakhine state since August 2017. More than 300,000 others fled to Bangladesh previous waves of violence – altogether putting immense economic, environmental and diplomatic challenges for Bangladesh.

Myanmar military is accused of burning Rohingya villages, killing and even raping Rohingya women – allegations that rights groups say amount to genocide.

Despite deals signed with Bangladesh and UN agencies on repatriation, Rohingya say the conditions in Rakhine are not conducive for return and that there is no guarantee of citizenship and safety.

Meanwhile, escalation of violence in Rakhing with the Myanmar military fighting the Arakan Army, a Rakhine Buddhist rebel group, in the recent months has further complicated the situation.

OIC in its joint communique urged upon OIC's ad hoc Ministerial Committee led by Gambia to take immediate measures to launch the case at the International Court of Justice on behalf of the OIC.

OIC foreign ministers conference in March called for taking legal recourse to establish Rohingya rights and seek justice for them by taking Myanmar to the International Court of Justice in the Hague.

The OIC Islamic Summit Conference in Makkah further called for ensuring free and unrestricted access to humanitarian assistance by affected persons and communities.

Condemning the inhumane situation of Rohingya, it called for urgent action to end acts of violence and all brutal practices targeting this minority and give it all its rights without any discrimination or racial profiling.

It said Myanmar is fully responsible for the protection of its citizens and underscored the need to stop the use of military power in Rakhine State immediately. 

The conference urged Myanmar to take practical, time bound and concrete steps to restore the citizenship of Rohingya who were deprived of their nationality, with all associated rights and to allow and facilitate safe and dignified return. 

The Conference reiterated its deep appreciation for the people of Bangladesh and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for opening their hearts and borders and giving shelter in Bangladesh to the Rohingya and supporting them with scarce resources.

It also urged OIC members to come up generously to share the increasing burden of Bangladesh, while welcoming various mechanisms established at the international level to improve the situation in Rakhine State, Myanmar.

The OIC conference also reiterated its support to regional mechanisms, particularly ASEAN in conducting the necessary needs assessment to identify areas of cooperation in order to create conditions conducive for safe, voluntary, and dignified return of the refugees.