Rohingyas term ICJ order to Myanmar as victory

Rohingya refugees in Cox's Bazar camps have termed the order that came from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) as a primary victory for them. 

The top United Nations court on Thursday ordered Myanmar to take emergency measures to protect its Muslim Rohingya population from persecution and atrocities, and preserve evidence of alleged crimes against them.

Welcoming the decision, Nurul Absar, a leader of Rohingya camp in Ukhiya, said, they had been pressing for justice since 2017. 

"Our expectation has been reflected with the global court's verdict. It has been possible only because of the bold initiative from Gambia," he added.   

Salamat Khan, a Rohingya refugee at Balukhali camp, said apart from stopping the atrocities, it had clearly been mentioned in the order that Rohingyas have to be given protection too. 

The court also directed Myanmar to report back within four months on the measures it had taken to conform to the directive, and then in six-month intervals afterwards.

"Now, all depends on how sincerely Myanmar will be implementing the ICJ ruling. We will agree to return to our motherland only after the positive progress in the implementation of the order," Salamat added. 

Sirajul Islam, a leader of Kutupalong camp, said they had found new enthusiasm after the order from the ICJ. 

If Myanmar complies with the order, they would be able to go back by 2020, he added.    

Another leader at the camp Jafor Anwar said, "Persecuted people across the world have seen a ray of hope with the order from the International Court of Justice. We are thankful to Bangladesh government for sheltering us and fulfilling all our basic needs" 

Rashed Mohammad Ali, chairman of Hila union in Teknaf, said if the court order is implemented, Rohingyas would be able to return to their motherland soon.

In November last year, with the backing of the 57 members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Gambia filed a case under article 9 of the Genocide Convention before the ICJ, alleging that Myanmar's atrocities against the Rohingya minorities in Rakhine State had violated various provisions of the convention.

However, all member states of the Genocide Convention have a duty to prevent and to punish genocide, of which Myanmar has been a party since March 14, 1956.

The hearing on the case was held at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, Netherlands on December 10-12 last year.

Aung San Suu Kyi attended the hearing on the behalf of Myanmar, while Gambia's Attorney General and Justice Minister Abu Bakar Mari Tambadu represented his country. 

Thousands of Rohingyas died and more than 740,000 fled to Bangladesh during an army crackdown in 2017.