FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
28 November 2024
ARNA Welcomes ICC Prosecutor’s Application for Arrest Warrant Against Min Aung Hlaing
The Arakan Rohingya National Assembly (ARNA) welcomes the recent statement from the International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim A.A. Khan KC regarding his application for an arrest warrant against Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Acting President of Myanmar and Commander-in-Chief of the Myanmar Defence Services, in the situation in Bangladesh/Myanmar.
The Rohingya community has waited decades for justice to prevail, and this development marks a significant step toward holding perpetrators accountable for the atrocities committed against the Rohingya people. The full statement by the ICC Prosecutor is available here.
Background
The Rohingya, an ethnic minority in Myanmar, have faced decades of systemic discrimination, statelessness, and violence. In 2017, over 700,000 Rohingya were forced to flee to Bangladesh due to a brutal military campaign widely described as ethnic cleansing and genocide. The atrocities included mass killings, sexual violence, and the destruction of villages.
The ICC has been investigating alleged crimes under its jurisdiction in the situation of Bangladesh/Myanmar, including deportation, persecution, and other inhumane acts against the Rohingya population. The ICC Prosecutor’s latest move underscores the international community’s commitment to ensuring accountability and delivering justice to the victims of these heinous crimes.
Statement from ARNA
“We commend the ICC Prosecutor for this landmark action,” said Nurul Islam, Chairman of ARNA. “Justice and accountability are essential for healing and rebuilding trust. Recognizing the Rohingya as an ethnic group, ensuring their safe repatriation to their places of origin in Myanmar with ethnic and citizenship rights as per other people of Myanmar, and providing reparations for the immense suffering endured by our people are critical components of a sustainable solution. We urge the ICC to continue its investigation with unwavering resolve and to work closely with Rohingya civil society in its pursuit of justice.”
Call for Continued Action
ARNA encourages the Prosecutor’s Office to maintain its collaboration with Rohingya civil society organizations and affected communities to ensure their voices are central to the pursuit of justice. We also call on the international community to support the ICC’s work and pressure Myanmar’s authorities to cooperate with investigations.
The Rohingya deserve more than justice in name—they deserve recognition, restitution, and the restoration of their fundamental rights. This moment offers hope for a future grounded in dignity and accountability.
For further inquiries, please contact:
secretariat@thearna.org
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