17th December 2018 – London – The U.N. Human Rights Council’s mandate to establish a new independent mechanism in September was a landmark moment for our fight for accountability for the crimes committed against the Burmese people, including the Rohingya. Ensuring the mechanism is now fully funded to get to work is crucial for ensuring the justice our brothers and sisters were promised can finally begin to be delivered. Accountability is also an essential precursor for safe, voluntary and dignified returns.
The mechanism – which will conduct investigations and prepare trial-ready cases – will also be particularly important for attempting to halt the ongoing abuses against the Rohingya and other minorities in Burma, which continue to this day.
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has very clearly identified the level of funding the mechanism requires – and justice is not something to be haggled over. The extent of the crimes committed demand that the new mechanism is headed at the most senior level by an Assistant Secretary-General.
We call on the U.N. General Assembly’s Fifth Committee to urgently pass the OHCHR’s budget proposal in full so the new mechanism can get to work. The U.N. Security Council must also step up its response to this crisis, including through a new Resolution, which includes additional punitive measures and steps to deliver accountability, such as the establishment of a Special Tribunal. However, the best way to ensure justice is done remains for Myanmar to be referred to the International Criminal Court.
Media Enquiries
Please contact:
Ronnie
Arakan Rohingya National Organisation (ARNO)
E: info@rohingya.org”>info@rohingya.org
T: +44(0) 7783118354
Kyaw Win, Executive Director
Burma Human Rights Network (BHRN)
E: kyawwin78@gmail.com” target=”_blank”>kyawwin78@gmail.com
T: +44(0) 740 345 2378