The International Criminal Court (ICC) has announced that Prosecutor Karim Khan has formally applied for an arrest warrant for Myanmar’s Senior General and Acting President Min Aung Hlaing. The warrant relates to alleged crimes against humanity committed during the military’s campaign against the Rohingya population, described as one of the most severe humanitarian crises in recent history.
Prosecutor Khan’s statement emphasized the importance of accountability, declaring the application a significant step toward addressing the suffering endured by the Rohingya. The military operations in Myanmar, particularly in Rakhine State, have been linked to the forced displacement of over 700,000 Rohingya into neighboring Bangladesh, accompanied by widespread reports of killings, sexual violence, and destruction of villages.
Min Aung Hlaing, who has led Myanmar’s armed forces for over a decade, was a key architect of these operations. His leadership has also drawn criticism for orchestrating the 2021 military coup, which plunged the country into further turmoil and led to continued suppression of dissent.
Allegations of Crimes Against Humanity
The ICC’s investigation stems from allegations of systematic human rights violations targeting the Rohingya Muslim minority. Survivors have recounted atrocities, including mass executions, arson, and sexual violence. In 2019, the ICC authorized an investigation into Myanmar’s actions, focusing on the forced deportation of the Rohingya to Bangladesh, a crime under international law.
While Myanmar is not a signatory to the Rome Statute, the ICC has jurisdiction over crimes that partially occurred in Bangladesh, a member state. This legal framework has allowed the ICC to pursue its investigation despite Myanmar’s lack of cooperation.
Challenges Ahead
The issuance of an arrest warrant would mark a major step in seeking justice for the Rohingya people. However, challenges remain, as Myanmar’s military leadership has historically resisted international scrutiny and refused to cooperate with global judicial mechanisms.
If the warrant is approved, it will place further pressure on Myanmar’s ruling junta and could lead to increased calls for international sanctions and diplomatic isolation. For the victims and survivors of the Rohingya crisis, the ICC’s actions signal hope for accountability, even amid ongoing instability in Myanmar.