In a historic ruling, the United Nations’ top court ordered Myanmar to prevent genocide against its Rohingya Muslim minority today.
The International Court of Justice granted a series of emergency steps requested by the mainly Muslim African state of The Gambia under the 1948 Genocide Convention.
The accusations refer to a 2017 military crackdown by Myanmar which resulted in around 740,000 Rohingya fleeing to Bangladesh, bringing allegations of widespread rape, arson and mass killings.
The court deemed the estimated 600,000 Rohingya remaining in Myanmar “extremely vulnerable” to military violence.
The decision is basically a rejection of Aung San Su Kyi’s defence of her state against accusations of atrocities during a three-day hearing at the ICJ last month.
Check below for some top Twitter reaction to the ruling.
My Rohingya brothers and sisters
The gate of justice is just opened
Our suffering is considered as GENOCIDE
Now we are protected under the genocide convention at @CIJ_ICJ
WE ARE PROTECTED,
WE ARE PROTECTED,
WE ARE PROTECTED,
WE ARE PROTECTED,
WE ARE PROTECTED, pic.twitter.com/ScEQtTUEpa
— Mayyu Ali (@AliMayyu) January 23, 2020
Huge news: #ICJ unanimously orders #Myanmar to take all measures to prevent the commission of all acts of genocide against #Rohingya along w other provisional measures, including requiring Myanmar to report to the court within 4 months of today & every 6 months until case closes
— Matthew Smith (@matthewfsmith) January 23, 2020
Court rules in favor of some provisional measures!!! Essentially this is a legal order requiring Myanmar to halt “all acts” against the Rohingya that could have genocidal intent under the Genocide Convention. A good day for international justice. https://t.co/xG8yMI99c8
— Simon Adams (@SAdamsR2P) January 23, 2020
Momentous day for Rohingya. https://t.co/hz2vlz6MFO
— Poppy McPherson (@poppymcp) January 23, 2020
It is hard to see how things could have gone worse for Aung San Suu Kyi today. Arguments by her legal team were all thrown out and she now has to report to the court every six months on the steps she is taking to prevent genocide, as a years-long genocide trial takes place.
— Mark Farmaner (@MarkFarmaner) January 23, 2020
World Court orders 4 protective measures declaring them protected group under #Genocide Convention. A great day for #rohingyas, for humankind, human rights! Justice is partially served. @CIJ_ICJ finds Genocide Plausibility by UN Fact-Finders. imminent threats remain. @nslwin pic.twitter.com/nBCwxC8haw
— maung zarni (@drzarni) January 23, 2020
International Court of Justice decision on provisional measures should be a huge wake up call for Aung San Suu Kyi's government. Myanmar's arguments were systematically rejected by the court which unanimously ordered legally binding measures. #Rohingya #Myanmar #genocide
— Dr Ronan Lee ☘️???? (@Ronan_Lee) January 23, 2020
Disappointing that the @CIJ_ICJ hasn't imposed the provisional measure requested by @Gambia_MOJ for #Myanmar to grant access and cooperate with UN fact-finding bodies. All measures approved depend on #Burma's (dubious) goodwill and don't really push the government to do much.
— Carlos Sardiña Galache (@CSGalache) January 23, 2020
Myanmar ordered to also ensure that it's military or other organisations under its control do not commit acts of Genocide against the Rohyinga.
— Ministry of Justice (@Gambia_MOJ) January 23, 2020
A picture that sums it all up. For the Rohingya, this feels like a massive step. There’s been no step like this in decades - even if it’s not clear what happens next regardless of ruling. https://t.co/ELXBGjXrPH
— Kaamil Ahmed (@KaamilAhmed) January 23, 2020
It is a great news for #Rohingya survivors and victims.Thank you all @Gambia_MOJ @FoleyHoag @MoFA_Bangladesh @OIC_OCI and many other individuals & organizations which work very hard to bring justice 4 #Rohingya & other #ethnic minorities in #myanmar our gratitude goes to you all
— Wai Wai Nu (@waiwainu) January 23, 2020
