ICJ Order to Facilitate Rohingya Repatriation: Minister

The International Court of Justice's directive to Myanmar to take immediate measures to protect the Rohingya people from genocide will accelerate the cycle of repatriation of refugees, says Law Minister Anusul Huq.

"Everybody salutes the [ ICJ's ] order ... We want Myanmar to come to its senses. The order will somehow encourage the repatriation of the Rohingya. We want Myanmar to adhere to the order," he told a program in Brahmanbaria on Friday (Jan 24)

On Dhaka City polls, Huq said the elections would be held in a free and fair manner.

At the program, the minister handed over the cash, and education materials to nearly 300 secondary students.

On Thursday (Jan 24), the ICJ ordered 'provisional measures' on Myanmar to protect the Rohingyas, a ruling cheered by refugees as their first major legal victory since being forced from their homes.

The lawsuit launched by Gambia in November at the highest body of the United Nations for disputes between states accuses Myanmar of genocide against Rohingya in violation of the 1948 Convention.

The court's final decision could take years, and Thursday's ruling dealt only with Gambia's request for preliminary measures. But in a unanimous ruling by the 17 judge panel, the court said the Rohingya face an ongoing threat and Myanmar must act to protect them.

Myanmar must "take all measures within its power to prevent all acts" prohibited under the 1948 Genocide Convention, and report back within four months, presiding Judge Abdulqawi Yusuf said, reading out a summary of the judgment.

Myanmar must use its control over its military and other armed groups to prevent violence against the Rohingya "intended to cause its physical destruction in whole or in part".