mass atrocities

The Gambia v Myanmar at the International Court of Justice

After The Gambia filed its application at the International Court of Justice against Myanmar, alleging violations of the Genocide Convention in relation to the Rohingya, I wrote two posts for Opinio Juris - the first details points of interest in the application filed (which is the only document on record so far), and the second puts the International Criminal Court proceedings, the ICJ proceedings and the universal jurisdiction case in context (for non-legal audiences).

The International Court of Justice and the Rohingya: The Long Road Ahead for Accountability

Yesterday The Gambia filed its application against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice, in accordance with the Genocide Convention, and on behalf of the Rohingya. This post, written last week, explores legal strategy, implications and the path ahead for this case.

Truth Commissions and Colonial Atrocities: Moving the Needle Further Towards State Responsibility?

Discussions relating to a truth commission addressing colonial atrocities against the Ovaherrero and Nama peoples compelled me to look at the potential of truth commissions and to raise a few questions for further exploration.

“Comfort Women”, the “Birangona” and historical war time sexual violence: Ignoring wounds of the past?

“Comfort Women”, the “Birangona” and historical war time sexual violence: Ignoring wounds of the past?

I attended the opening of the exhibition on Women & War at the Ayala Museum in the Philippines. Hearing a Lola - or grandmother who survived the ordeal of being a “Comfort Woman” - made me think of this issue more, and also look into the often forgotten '“Birangona” of Bangladesh. What hope for justice and redress?

Taking Statelessness Seriously: Linkages to Mass Atrocities?

My post on statelessness & the legal linkages to mass atrocities - an overlooked connection perhaps? Drawing from the Myanmar FFM report, a few preliminary thoughts and areas for future exploration...

Human rights impact assessment in Myanmar: Facebook’s anodyne report

Facebook’s report on its activities in Myanmar is anodyne and does not address important questions raised by the UN FFM. I raise a few points after reading the report, which are worth exploring further.

Tangled skeins towards accountability: Myanmar and international justice

I examine the circumstances around the creation of an independent mechanism to consolidate evidence in Myanmar. The Human Rights Council has stepped up to its role and mandate - and with the confluence of other legal developments including at the ICC, there are reasons to feel hopeful about accountability.