The UN Security Council should formally refer the government of Myanmar and its top officials to the International Criminal Court for prosecution of crimes against humanity due to persecution of Muslim Rohingya and other ethnic minorities, according to a report by UN Human Rights Council on Monday.
WASHINGTON (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 27th August, 2018) The UN Security Council should formally refer the government of Myanmar and its top officials to the International Criminal Court for prosecution of crimes against humanity due to persecution of Muslim Rohingya and other ethnic minorities, according to a report by UN Human Rights Council on Monday.
"The Security Council should ensure accountability for crimes under international law committed in Myanmar, preferably by referring the situation to the International Criminal Court or alternatively by creating an ad hoc international criminal tribunal," the report stated. "Further, the Security Council should adopt targeted individual sanctions, including travel bans and asset freezes, against those who appear most responsible for serious crimes under international law. It should also impose an arms embargo on Myanmar."
The report cited "gross human rights violations" in Myanmar's Rakhine state, where a military offensive against Muslim Rohingya has forced nearly 700,000 refugees to neighboring Bangladesh in the past year, as well as ongoing persecution of other ethnic groups in the states of Kachin and Shan.
The report also criticized State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi for failing to use her position as de facto head of government to stem or prevent the violence against civilian populations.
The report includes a list if six individuals led by Commander-in-Chief General Min Aung Hlaing to be prosecuted.
While the Primary responsibility for investigating and prosecuting crimes under international law lies with the government of Myanmar, officials have demonstrated an unwillingness or inability to do so, the report said.
