The Rohingya Centre UK (RCUK) applauds the historic action taken by the International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim A. A. Khan KC in seeking an arrest warrant for Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the Commander-in-Chief of Myanmar’s Defence Services. This marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice for the Rohingya people, who have endured unspeakable atrocities.
Since the ICC’s authorisation of an investigation in 2019, the Office of the Prosecutor has conducted extensive, independent, and impartial inquiries into the crimes committed during the waves of violence in 2016 and 2017 in Rakhine State. These efforts have culminated in an application to hold Min Aung Hlaing accountable for crimes against humanity, including deportation and persecution, which led to the forced displacement of over a million Rohingya to Bangladesh.
RCUK recognises this as a monumental step towards ending the culture of impunity that has long enabled systematic violence and discrimination against the Rohingya. For decades, the Rohingya community has been stripped of their rights, subjected to persecution, and left stateless. The evidence presented, which includes testimonies from victims and insider witnesses, documentary evidences, and authenticated scientific materials, underscores the gravity of these crimes.
RCUK extends its profound gratitude to the ICC for its commitment to pursuing justice and to the Rohingya refugees who bravely provided testimony and evidence. We also acknowledge the critical role of the Government of Bangladesh, civil society organisations, and the United Nations Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar in advancing this process.
Speaking about the significance of this application, RCUK Executive Director Mohammed Amin stated:
“This is a pivotal moment for the Rohingya people. The ICC’s action sends a clear message that justice is not only possible but inevitable. It demonstrates the world’s resolve to hold perpetrators accountable and to ensure that the voices of the Rohingya are heard. This development restores hope for the millions of Rohingya who continue to live in exile and under unimaginable hardship for decades.”
While this step represents progress, RCUK emphasises that further efforts are necessary. It is crucial that the ICC and the international community remain steadfast in pursuing additional warrants against other high-level officials implicated in these crimes against humanity. Moreover, we urge governments and international stakeholders to intensify their efforts to ensure the enforcement of arrest warrants, the protection of witnesses, and the realisation of safe, dignified repatriation for the Rohingya people.
RCUK is commitment to advocating for justice, accountability, and the restoration of rights for the Rohingya community. This application strengthens the determination of Rohingya activists and organisations globally to continue their work towards ensuring that the Rohingya crisis remains a priority on the global human rights agenda.
The statement from the ICC Prosecutor is available here.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Dr Mohammad Khubybe
Chief Operating Officer
Rohingya Centre UK (RCUK)
Email: khubybe.a@rcuk.org.uk
Phone: +44 7492 637327
Website: www.rcuk.org
Social Media: @WeAreRCUK