The UN Security Council discussed the recent judgement by the International Court of Justice’s order to Myanmar which maintained that they must protect the Rohingya Muslim but failed to reach an agreed-upon statement.
EU members have insisted that Myanmar has to comply with the ICJ’s judgement. In a joint statement, Germany, France, Belgium, Estonia and Poland stated;
'Myanmar must address the root causes of its conflicts, in Rakhine State, but also in Kachin and Shan States [...] Accountability of perpetrators of human rights and humanitarian law violations is a necessary part of this process'.
They further stated;
'Myanmar must also create conditions for and facilitate a voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable return of the Rohingya to Myanmar'.
This follows a brutal crackdown in 2017, in which over 700,000 Rohingya Muslims were forced to flee into neighbouring Bangladesh. Myanmar stands accused of genocide and war crimes include mass execution of civilians, torture and sexual violence.
Vietnam and China, allies of Myanmar, criticised the nature of the discussion as it was closed doors and anonymous.
Read the AP’s reporting here.
