Myanmar ruling - expert comment

UNITED KINGDOM / AGILITYPR.NEWS / January 23, 2020 / Myanmar ruling expert comment from Dr Carla Ferstman, University of Essex Human Rights Centre

Dr Carla Ferstman, a Senior Lecturer from the University of Essex’s Human Rights Centre and a former Director of REDRESS said: “This is an important ruling for a number of reasons.

“The International Court of Justice has recognised an imminent and ongoing risk to the Rohingya and Myanmar must act now to protect these people. The ICJ’s ruling means it won’t be enough for Myanmar to just avoid doing bad things. It must take active steps, and then prove it has done so, with a clear timetable for reporting.

“It’s also an important day for the ICJ itself. Its decisive intervention in relation to Myanmar stands in sharp contrast to the extended prevarication of the United Nations Security Council. Furthermore, by acting to keep this case within the ICJ system, the ICJ has removed the risk of a single national veto in the Security Council serving to block action and extend suffering.

“Finally, it’s a good day for smaller nations, for less powerful groups, who doubt they can also achieve justice. Today, we have seen that the system can work for all and Gambia - a country with no direct link to Myanmar – should be applauded for bringing this case.”

Notes to Editors:

Dr Carla Ferstman: https://www.essex.ac.uk/people/ferst81809/carla-ferstman