Malaysia highlights crimes against Rohingya in Rakhine State

NEW yOrK: Malaysia has voiced concern over the atrocities committed against the Rohingya in Myanmar and proposed that the United Nations Security Council establish an international judicial mechanism to try those responsible for the crimes.

Foreign Ministry multilateral affairs deputy secretary-general Kennedy Jawan said the Myanmar government had the primary responsibility to act against the perpetrators of the crimes.

“All of us should, therefore, use our leverage to urge Myanmar’s Independent Commission on Enquiry on Rakhine State to bring all perpetrators of gross human rights violations to justice.

“Malaysia has also put forth that an international judicial mechanism should take effect in the event the efforts of the Myanmar authorities to investigate and prosecute the perpetrators are deemed insufficient,” he said.

Jawan was delivering Malaysia’s statement during the first ministerial meeting of the International Working Group on Myanmar in conjunction with the United Nations General Assembly here. He represented Foreign Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah.

Jawan said the situation needed urgent attention and a long-term solution for the future of the Rohingya.

“To that end, the international community cannot, and should not, stand idle as we witness the human catastrophe which has besieged the Rohingya, unfolding before our very own eyes,” he said.

He said that despite the numerous international recommendations and advice to Myanmar, the situation had not improved.

“Instead, we still see an influx of Rohingya leaving Myanmar, dragging along with them their meagre remnants of what is left of their homes in Myanmar,” he said.

Jawan said Malaysia would continue to call for international support for Bangladesh, where almost 700,000 Rohingya are taking refuge. — Bernama