Supported by Canada, Rohingya Genocide Case Moves Forward at ICJ
July 22nd, 2022
Justice For All Canada commends the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for dismissing objections by Burma’s military junta over the ongoing Rohingya genocide case.
The case was previously brought by The Gambia, with support from Canada and The Netherlands. The ICJ’s critical decision allows the case to move forward.
“Although this application will take time to resolve, it represents precedence, justice, and eventual repatriation where Rohingya rights and properties are restored,” remarked Taha Ghayyur, Executive Director of Justice For All Canada.
Lawyers representing the junta argued for case dismissal because courts normally only hear cases between nation states, and The Gambia was not an affected party. Fortunately, their arguments were rejected.
Justice For All Canada, a nonprofit human rights and advocacy organization, operates several campaigns petitioning the Canadian government to act against ongoing genocides. Our Burma Task Force works to enhance the rights of Rohingya minorities impacted by devastating mass atrocities committed by Burma in 2017.
Arguments presented by Burmese military leaders failed to convince the court. In reality, these individuals are perpetrators of genocide, including an anti-democratic coup destroying Burma as a nation.
Military leaders have also failed to abide by preliminary measures imposed by the court.
Background: Canada Leading Efforts for Rohingya
In November 2019, The Gambia filed the case before the ICJ, alleging that Burmese atrocities against Rohingya violated the Genocide Convention. Canada publicly supported The Gambia, arguing that since Burma was a party to the genocide convention, their mass persecution of Rohingya violated international law.
The Canadian government unanimously recognized the Rohingya genocide in September 2018. At that time, Burma Task Force, a campaign of Justice For All Canada, worked closely with former Special Envoy to Myanmar Bob Rae.
Through advocacy and education, we helped influence this historic recognition, including;
However, millions of Rohingya Muslims remain displaced and discriminated against throughout the region and in Bangladeshi refugee camps.
Burma also continues to benefit by purchasing weapons from China, Russia and India. This lack of accountability allows the brutal Burmese military to remain in power.
Advocates urge Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to condemn and sanction India, as was done to China and Russia. Human rights measures must be applied equally for these nations to halt their targeting of minorities in Burma, as well as within their own borders.
Justice For All Canada commends ICJ defence lawyers and judges committed to these protections. International courts offer hope for justice and a legal framework to protect the human rights of marginalized minority populations.
Justice For All Canada commends the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for dismissing objections by Burma’s military junta over the ongoing Rohingya genocide case.
The case was previously brought by The Gambia, with support from Canada and The Netherlands. The ICJ’s critical decision allows the case to move forward.
“Although this application will take time to resolve, it represents precedence, justice, and eventual repatriation where Rohingya rights and properties are restored,” remarked Taha Ghayyur, Executive Director of Justice For All Canada.
Lawyers representing the junta argued for case dismissal because courts normally only hear cases between nation states, and The Gambia was not an affected party. Fortunately, their arguments were rejected.
Justice For All Canada, a nonprofit human rights and advocacy organization, operates several campaigns petitioning the Canadian government to act against ongoing genocides. Our Burma Task Force works to enhance the rights of Rohingya minorities impacted by devastating mass atrocities committed by Burma in 2017.
Arguments presented by Burmese military leaders failed to convince the court. In reality, these individuals are perpetrators of genocide, including an anti-democratic coup destroying Burma as a nation.
Military leaders have also failed to abide by preliminary measures imposed by the court.
Background: Canada Leading Efforts for Rohingya
In November 2019, The Gambia filed the case before the ICJ, alleging that Burmese atrocities against Rohingya violated the Genocide Convention. Canada publicly supported The Gambia, arguing that since Burma was a party to the genocide convention, their mass persecution of Rohingya violated international law.
The Canadian government unanimously recognized the Rohingya genocide in September 2018. At that time, Burma Task Force, a campaign of Justice For All Canada, worked closely with former Special Envoy to Myanmar Bob Rae.
Through advocacy and education, we helped influence this historic recognition, including;
- Enabling millions in humanitarian aid;
- Imposing continual sanctions against key perpetrators of the Rohingya genocide;
- Revovoking the honourary Canadian citizenship of former Burmese State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi for her role in the genocide
However, millions of Rohingya Muslims remain displaced and discriminated against throughout the region and in Bangladeshi refugee camps.
Burma also continues to benefit by purchasing weapons from China, Russia and India. This lack of accountability allows the brutal Burmese military to remain in power.
Advocates urge Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to condemn and sanction India, as was done to China and Russia. Human rights measures must be applied equally for these nations to halt their targeting of minorities in Burma, as well as within their own borders.
Justice For All Canada commends ICJ defence lawyers and judges committed to these protections. International courts offer hope for justice and a legal framework to protect the human rights of marginalized minority populations.