UN probe shows Rohingya refugees need justice

19 September 2018

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UN investigators have revealed new details about the abuses suffered by the Rohingya people, amid the opening of an initial inquiry into the crisis by the International Criminal Court.

Commenting, Mike Noyes – Deputy Director of Humanitarian Policy and Practice at ActionAid UK – said:

“Today’s release of the full UN report into Rohingya abuses backs up the stories we have heard from Rohingya women of the horrific acts of violence they have endured. ActionAid has been supporting the most vulnerable women and girls in camps in Bangladesh. Almost every one of them bears the physical, and mental scars of the reported human rights abuses they have experienced – including shocking levels of sexual violence, pregnancy through rape, and the loss and murder of their children, and family members.

"We welcomed the UK’s call last month to immediately bring the perpetrators of violence and human rights violations against the Rohingya population before an international tribunal. And the full report today means that it is essential that the UK immediately puts pressure on the Security Council to act on these calls and ensure justice for thousands of Rohingya people who have suffered these unbearable abuses.

"With its global leadership to prevent sexual violence in conflict, we also urge the UK to help deliver this justice for thousands of Rohingya women and girls who have been subjected to rape and sexual abuse, and to ensure UK humanitarian aid is used to provide protection and life-saving services for those at risk of further violence and exploitation.

"The Rohingya people can no longer survive on empty promises, we must seek justice for survivors and ensure their future in returning home is voluntary, dignified, safe and conducted under international supervision and protection.”

For further information, contact the media team on email: claire.wilkinson@actionaid.org, alice.gillham@actionaid.org, or charlotte.clarke@actionaid.org; or if out of hours, on +44 (0) 7753 973 486.

To help Rohingya refugees, you can donate to ActionAid.

Notes to editors

1. ActionAid is an international charity that works with women and girls living in poverty. Our dedicated local staff are helping end violence against women and girls and changing lives, for good. We won’t stop until women and girls are out of danger, out of poverty and on track to create the future they want.