International Warrants May Come in Rohingya Genocide Case

A court in Argentina is looking at evidence that the Rohingya people in Myanmar were victims of genocide in 2017. Many Rohingya were killed and raped by the Myanmar military. The Argentina court may soon give out international arrest warrants for some Myanmar military members. 

Moving Towards Warrants

Seven Rohingya survivors went to Argentina and told the court directly what terrible things happened to them in 2017. This was an important chance for their voices to be heard. The court is now studying all the evidence.

The next step may be for the Argentina court to issue international arrest warrants for the accused Myanmar military members. These warrants would send a big message worldwide that the genocide crimes cannot be forgotten or ignored.

Wanting Global Support

The lawyer for the Rohingya, Tomás Quintana, says they will notify many international groups if warrants are issued, like the United Nations, the European Union, and Muslim and Asian groups. They want wide support for holding the perpetrators accountable.

Quintana stresses that genocide is so evil that political interests should not matter – the perpetrators must face justice. He says the United States has shown interest in the Argentina case so far.  

Risk of More Violence

Unfortunately, there are currently warnings of potential new violence and crimes against civilians in Myanmar’s Rakhine state, where the Rohingya lived. The United Nations has raised concerns that past horrors could happen again.

Quintana agrees the situation is extremely serious and high-level international action is required, beyond just talk. He says the Argentina case gives the Rohingya community hope in their long struggle for justice and better living conditions.