On Thursday 23 January, the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the United Nation’s highest court, ordered the Myanmar government to prevent genocidal violence against its Rohingya Muslim minority, and preserve all evidence of past genocidal acts. 

The case, filed by The Gambia, saw the 17 judges unanimously rule that Aung San Suu Kyi and the Myanmar government must respect the requirements of the United Nation’s 1948 genocide convention. 

Rushanara Ali MP said:

“I am very pleased with this important ruling. It is an important breakthrough for all those of us who have campaigned for many years against the atrocities committed by the Myanmar government against the Rohingya people.

This is the first step towards justice for the Rohingya people.

The international community must now redouble its efforts, both to protect the Rohingya population who remain in Myanmar and ensure the Myanmar government is held to account for the atrocity crimes it is has committed.

Unlike the brave actions of The Gambia, the UK, despite being the pen-holder in the UN Security Council for Burma has been feeble in standing up to the Myanmar government. It is time the UK government shows international leadership and ensures this important ruling is respected and that the UN refers the Myanmar government to the International Criminal Court."