Rohingya refugees in a camp in Bangladesh, 2017. Photo credit: Zlatica Hoke (VOA)

The following resolution was issued by the IADL Bureau meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on 6 April 2019:

The International Association of Democratic Lawyers (IADL) has been following the issue of the displacement of the Rohingya from Rakhine province since the issue of their forcible removal by the Myanmar military came to light.  We have also followed the efforts to resolve the issue of the repatriation of the Refugees.  The IADL has expressed its strongest condemnation of the mass killings and crimes against humanity committed by the Myanmar army.  IADL has also expressed its serious disappointment and frustration at the failure of the international community to take substantive action against the Myanmar army and government, including holding those responsible accountable before the International Criminal Court.

Although there is agreement to implement the recommendations for repatriation in the report by Kofi Annan,  it is evident through media reports and personal testimonies that state-sponsored persecution is continuing in the Rakhine province of Myanmar. Therefore, the influx of Rohingya refugees to Bangladesh and elsewhere is continuing.  The IADL appreciates the government of Bangladesh for its ongoing support, sympathy and humanitarian aid to Rohingya refugees. Further IADL is informed that the Myanmar authorities are instigating ethnic division and sectarian conflicts between Buddhists and Muslims in Rakhine province and then using the resulting violence to prevent repatriation of Rohingya refugees to their own country.

Therefore the IADL strongly demands the immediate and effective repatriation of Rohingya refugees in full safety and with the protection of their human dignity.

The IADL calls upon the UN office on Genocide Prevention to begin an effective investigation into events in Rakhine province, Myanmar, and the surrounding region. It also urges the UN Security Council and the UNHCR to take action to expedite and accelerate the repatriation process, with the full involvement of ASEAN and SAARC.  The IADL additionally calls upon the international community as a whole to raise their voices for the protection of the right to life of the Rohingya people and for the speedy repatriation of Rohingya refugees.

Kuala Lumpur
6 April 2019

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