The Burmese Rohingya Organisation UK (BROUK) has published a detailed report highlighting the ongoing systematic violations against the Rohingya in Myanmar’s Rakhine State. This comes five years following an order by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which demanded Myanmar prevent genocidal acts against the Rohingya. The report, titled “The Genocide Never Stopped – Five Years on From the World Court’s Order to Protect the Rohingya,” describes how military actions continue against this ethnic minority.
According to BROUK, approximately 145,000 Rohingya remain in arbitrary detention in central Rakhine under what is described as a “policy of mass internment.” About half of those detained are women and children. These findings underscore the continued failures of international mechanisms aimed at genocide prevention and protection of vulnerable populations, as noted by BROUK President Tun Khin. Criticism is directed towards the international community for not acting upon early warnings and failing to enforce court orders or support refugees effectively, as elaborated in BROUK’s remarks on the perpetuated crisis.
The report pointedly highlights severe risks faced by Rohingya women and girls, who are subject to extensive sexual violence, including rape and extortion-related abuse, as documented by BROUK. Additionally, Myanmar’s military operations severely restrict humanitarian aid and trade, leading to scarce access to essential services like healthcare and humanitarian assistance, particularly in areas under Arakan Army control.
Despite the ICJ’s provisional measures from January 2020 mandating preventive measures against genocide and the preservation of evidence, the Myanmar military’s compliance remains deeply inadequate. This has drawn attention internationally, with the International Criminal Court’s chief prosecutor filing an application in November 2024 for an arrest warrant against Myanmar’s military leader, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, for alleged crimes against humanity.
The BROUK urges the British government, as the UN Security Council’s lead on Myanmar matters, to convene immediate discussions to address these compliance failures. These calls coincide with reports from major human rights organizations, such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, which have documented institutionalized persecution and apartheid-like conditions against the Rohingya. Human Rights Watch’s 2024 World Report and a report by Amnesty International echo BROUK’s concerns about systematic discrimination and widespread human rights abuses.
The challenges faced by the Rohingya reflect a broader crisis in Myanmar since the military coup in February 2021. According to figures from the United Nations, more than 3 million people are internally displaced, with an estimated 18.6 million requiring urgent humanitarian assistance. During this turbulent period, the military has increased its crackdown on dissent and has been involved in combat with resistance groups across the nation. A comprehensive September 2024 report by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights further adds to the growing documentation of abuses, particularly against women in detention.
As the situation evolves, it remains crucial for global actors to address these ongoing violations and take concrete steps to protect the Rohingya and hold accountable those responsible for egregious human rights abuses.