The Centre for Peace and Justice (CPJ) of Brac University (BracU) organised a public lecture on “Justice and Accountability for Rohingya” in the university’s auditorium on Wednesday.
Foreign Secretary Md Shahidul Haque as present as the chief guest and the event was chaired by CPJ Executive Director Manzoor Hasan.
“Bangladesh will continue to pursue accountability efforts, impetus for which must come from the international community, to create pressure on Myanmar to address rights of the Rohingyas, including citizenship”, said Md Shahidul Haque.
One of the international legal pathways to accountability and justice is through the International Criminal Court which can raise proceedings against individuals for “forced deportation” under Rome Statute. Another is through the International Court of Justice with which Gambia, on behalf of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, filed a case against Myanmar under Genocide Convention, he added.
Bangladesh will meanwhile continue with bilateral approaches for the safe and sustainable return of the Rohingyas, for which Myanmar must create a conducive environment as the Rohingya crisis is a political one deeply rooted in that country, he said.
Myanmar has to create the conducive environment by addressing the “root causes” inside its territory, ensure safety, security and livelihood, hold the perpetrators accountable and ensure civil and political rights which are fundamental freedoms, said Haque.
Rakhine is rich in minerals and there are very few countries which have not invested in business hubs being created there, he said, adding that Myanmar would come under serious pressure and it knows that its generals might be taken to The Hague.
Brac University Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Mohammad Tamim urged the government to make its initiatives more visible to people. He apprehended that Bangladesh would face a difficult time with these displaced people.
