(Toronto, Canada, September 3, 2020) – CRDI welcomes the Government of Canada and the Kingdom of the Netherlands’ decision to intervene in The Gambia v. Myanmar case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). On September 2, the Government of Canada and the Kingdom of the Netherlands publicly announced their joint intention to intervene in the matter of The Gambia v. Myanmar, a case brought by The Gambia against Myanmar at the ICJ. The Gambia alleges that Myanmar violated the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (Genocide Convention) by perpetrating crimes against Rohingyas. Importantly, Canada and the Netherlands emphasized the gendered nature of the crimes, a fact that is central to the Rohingya genocide.

Over a million Rohingya refugees living in camps in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, and diaspora communities around the world, have been waiting for accountability and justice, and a chance for a safe return to their homeland.

The Canadian government has taken extensive action in support of the Rohingya people and we are greatly appreciative of their efforts. However, the 40-year genocide and suffering in Burma continues to progress. Success will only truly be achieved when the Rohingya have their citizenship, peace and freedom restored and the perpetrators of such heinous crimes are held accountable.

Over the years, CRDI has consistently called for Rohingyas’ right to justice. CRDI is hopeful about this substantial breakthrough and we look forward to the both governments delivering on their commitments and their contributions toward justice against the heinous crimes committed by the perpetrators. The added legal expertise and resources from both countries will be of great support to the case.

CRDI emphasizes that the rest of the international community must also come together to support the Gambia’s submission to ensure justice for Rohingya. All States that are party to the Genocide Convention are obliged to support The Gambia in its efforts to address these violations and ask to make the current confidential treatment by the ICJ of Myanmar’s reporting under the Provisional Measures PUBLIC.

For more information:

Email: crdi@rohingya.ca