Originally published on OHCHR
As civilians, Rohingya, and all communities in Myanmar continue to face killings, mass forced displacement, and other forms of systematic human rights violations, civil society organizations and human rights defenders are intensifying calls for accountability and ending decades of impunity.
Three prominent human rights defenders from Myanmar spoke at the 60th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva and at a high-level conference on the situation of the Rohingyas at the U.N. General Assembly in New York, urging the international community to take concrete steps to pursue justice and restore peace, dignity and human rights.
“We want justice,” said Tun Khin, president of the Burmese Rohingyas Organisation UK, a civil society organization that documents the plight of the Rohingya. “When I visited the Rohingya refugee camps, every survivor said the same thing: That they have been waiting for justice for eight years. It is critical to obtain justice for these survivors of genocide.”
Tun Khin has led efforts to pursue legal action against Myanmar’s military leadership. His organization filed a universal jurisdiction case in Argentina, seeking prosecution for crimes committed during the 2017 military violence, in which thousands of Rohingyas were killed and 700,000 were forced to flee to Bangladesh.
“Without justice, there is no peace.”
Tun Khin, president of Burmese Rohingyas Organisation UK
The Rohingya case in Argentina joins other international efforts, including proceedings at the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the International Court of Justice.
However, Tun Khin expressed concern over the slow pace of these mechanisms. He pointed to the ICC’s swift action in other cases, such as the issuance of an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin, and questioned why similar urgency has not been applied to Myanmar.
“Justice delayed is justice denied,” he said.
Tun Khin emphasized the need for comprehensive accountability, including for non-state actors. He said the Arakan Army, which now controls parts of Rakhine State, is contributing to the displacement of Rohingya civilians.
“Justice should not be selective. All parties responsible for crimes must be held to account.”
Speaking at the 30 September High-Level Conference on the situation of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar as part of the 80th session of the U.N. General Assembly, Human Rights Chief Volker Türk repeated his calls on the UN Security Council for a full referral of the Myanmar situation to the ICC.
“Today, life in Myanmar — especially in Rakhine State — may be the worst it has ever been for the Rohingya and other minorities, marking another grim chapter in a long history of persecution,” Türk said, urging the international community to heed Rohingya’s calls for peace and freedom.
Voiceless no more
Lucky Karim, a Rohingya human rights advocate and founder of Refugee Women for Peace and Justice, spent years in Bangladesh’s refugee camps after fleeing violence with her family. Her organization, established after she moved to the U.S., aims to amplify the voices of Rohingya women and advocate for their rights.
For Lucky Karim, the pursuit of justice is tied to visibility and representation.
“In the camps, refugees are often unable to speak out about the conditions they face,” said Lucky Karim, who took part in the interactive dialogue on the U.N. Human Rights report on Myanmar during the Human Rights Council’s 60th session. “Now, I’m able to communicate those needs directly to policymakers.”
“I’m carrying the message of hundreds and thousands of women who are left behind in refugee camps and cannot physically be here.“
Lucky Karim, founder of Refugee Women for Peace and Justice
She described the camps as overcrowded and lacking adequate protection, particularly for women and children. Lucky Karim stressed that justice must include access to basic rights and meaningful participation in decisions that affect displaced communities.
“Before discussing repatriation, it’s essential to ensure protection for those still in Myanmar,” she said. “That’s where the solution begins.”
Lucky Karim also highlighted the importance of sustained international attention. “The Rohingya crisis still exists,” she said. “Until we can return home with dignity and rights, the world must not forget us.”
Chin minority
The Chin community, another ethnic minority in Myanmar, has also faced severe challenges since the military coup in 2021.
Salai Za Uk Ling, Executive Director of the Chin Human Rights Organization (CHRO), has documented abuses against Chin people for over 30 years. He described the current situation as an existential threat.
“Our communities have faced indiscriminate violence, including bombings and attacks on religious institutions,” Za Uk said. “Over half of the Chin population has been displaced since the coup.”
“Living without fear and being able to go about daily life in peace is a fundamental right.“
Salai Za Uk Ling, Executive Director of the Chin Human Rights Organisation
Za Uk noted that geographic isolation of Chin State and limited development have contributed to a lack of international awareness. “Few organizations are present in the area, and access is restricted,” he said. “We’ve had to rely on our own documentation to share what’s happening.”
He described ongoing challenges, including limited access to healthcare, infrastructure, and humanitarian aid. “People are struggling with disease outbreaks and daily threats to their safety. Churches, schools, and hospitals have been targeted.”
CHRO has filed a criminal complaint in the Philippines under the principle of universal jurisdiction and is pursuing similar actions in other countries. Za Uk also echoed calls for actions by the ICC.
For Za Uk, justice is not only about accountability but also about restoring human dignity.
“States have a responsibility to ensure basic living conditions and basic dignity for everyone.”
“The international community must honour its responsibilities and act.“
UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk
These voices reflect the findings of U.N. Human Rights’ work, which has played a crucial role on Myanmar by documenting widespread and systematic human rights violations.
Through 15 reports based on hundreds of interviews with victims and witnesses and four oral updates to the Human Rights Council and General Assembly, U.N. Human Rights has maintained international attention on the crisis, including on the situation of the Rohingya, advocated for accountability and the respect of the democratic aspirations of the Myanmar people, and issued recommendations to address the multiple human rights and protection concerns civilians face.
To achieve this, U.N. Human Rights has also closely collaborated with civil society organizations and networks to support their documentation efforts and amplifying their advocacy messages.
