Rohingya crisis: ICC prosecutor sees cooperation in investigation
The Office of the Prosecutor of International Criminal Court (ICC) emphasised on “effective, timely and tangible” cooperation from all stakeholders as an authorization for an investigation into alleged crimes against humanity committed against the Rohingya people is still pending.
“We hope to engage as quickly as possible,” Deputy Prosecutor James Stewart told reporters at a press conference at the capital on Thursday.
He said they will work in strict conformity with the law if they are authorized to do an investigation. “We will do so independently, impartially and objectively; these are principles which guide all of our decisions and actions.”
ICC Prosecutor Dr Fatou Bensouda has recently requested the Court’s Judges to authorise an investigation into alleged crimes against humanity committed against the Rohingya people from Myanmar. The outcome of this request is still pending and is before the Court’s judges.
There is a “reasonable basis to believe” that at least 700,000 Rohingya people were deported from Myanmar to Bangladesh through a range of coercive acts.
Stewart, who is leading a delegation here, said once the judges of the court make a determination on the request of the Prosecutor, the Court according to its normal practice, will inform the public of that outcome.
“Confidentiality during any investigation is essential to protect its integrity, and to protect the security of all involved,” he said.
Asked about signing of MoU with Bangladesh, Stewart said this is normal practice everywhere and a matter of discussion. “There is no negativity from the part of Bangladesh which is a State party to the ICC.”
The Deputy Prosecutor made it clear that Myanmar is not a State party to the ICC and any potential investigation could only focus on crimes allegedly committed in part on the territory of Bangladesh.
The ICC delegation members already held meetings with Ministers and senior officials here. They are scheduled to leave for Cox’s Bazar on Friday afternoon.
They will visit Rohingya camps and hold a meeting with government authorities there on Saturday.
On Sunday, the ICC delegation members are scheduled to hold meetings with Cox’s Bazar DC, Refugee, Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC) and regional heads of Rapid action Battalion (Rab), BGB and acting superintendent of police in Cox’s Bazar.