The International Criminal Court (ICC) has taken a significant step in addressing the atrocities committed against the Rohingya community during the 2016 and 2017 waves of violence in Rakhine State, Myanmar. Since launching its investigation on 14 November 2019, the ICC Office of the Prosecutor has conducted an extensive, independent, and impartial investigation into the alleged crimes. After years of meticulous evidence gathering, the Office has concluded there are reasonable grounds to believe that Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Commander-in-Chief of the Myanmar Defence Services and Acting President, bears criminal responsibility for crimes against humanity, including deportation and persecution of the Rohingya.
The Scope of Allegations
The ICC alleges that the crimes against the Rohingya were committed by Myanmar’s armed forces, the Tatmadaw, with the support of the national police, border guard police, and non-Rohingya civilians. These crimes, which unfolded between 25 August 2017 and 31 December 2017, forced over a million Rohingya to flee their homes, primarily seeking refuge in Bangladesh.
Evidence and Collaboration
The application for an arrest warrant against Min Aung Hlaing is the first of its kind targeting a high-ranking Myanmar government official. This groundbreaking move is supported by a wide array of evidence, including:
- Testimonies from numerous witnesses, including insiders.
- Documentary evidence.
- Authenticated scientific, photographic, and video materials.
The investigation was significantly bolstered by collaboration with various states, civil society organizations, and international bodies. Key contributors included the Rohingya community, the Government of Bangladesh, and the United Nations Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar. The Rohingya community’s unwavering commitment to justice, as well as their courage in sharing testimonies and materials, has been indispensable.
Voices from the Camps
ICC Prosecutor’s visits to the Kutupalong refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar underscored the Rohingya’s resilience and their call for justice. During these visits, women shared their harrowing stories, youth activists expressed their determination to contribute to accountability efforts, and men of all ages emphasized the need for justice and recognition. These interactions reinforced the ICC’s resolve to vindicate their hopes through the power of law.
Next Steps
The ICC’s independent judges will now evaluate whether the application meets the legal standard required to issue an arrest warrant. If approved, the ICC will work closely with the Court’s Registrar to facilitate the arrest of Min Aung Hlaing.
Commitment to Accountability
The ICC has demonstrated a renewed focus on this investigation by allocating additional resources and accelerating its activities. The Prosecutor’s Office remains committed to submitting further applications in the coming months, ensuring the pursuit of justice for the Rohingya community.
A Message of Hope
This milestone underscores the international community’s determination to ensure the Rohingya are not forgotten. The ICC’s work aims to uphold the principle that all people, including the Rohingya, deserve the protection of the law. As the world watches, the ICC continues to champion accountability and justice, striving to vindicate the resilience and hope of the Rohingya community.
