(COX’S BAZAR, December 13, 2024)—On December 13, 2024, twelve Rohingya refugee leaders joined an informational session and roundtable facilitated by Fortify Rights on specific international accountability mechanisms. The roundtable, held online, focused on the potential use of Article 14 of the Rome Statute to facilitate a referral of perpetrators of atrocity crimes in Myanmar to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
When atrocity crimes occur, ICC member states are able to invoke Article 14 to refer the situation to the chief prosecutor. The referral process requires a simple letter to the chief prosecutor with supporting documentation on the situation. On July 17, 2021, the National Unity Government of Myanmar lodged a declaration with the ICC’s registrar accepting the court’s jurisdiction, making it possible for ICC members to refer Myanmar to the chief prosecutor.
Fortify Rights is in discussion with several ICC member states to use their power under Article 14 of the Rome Statute to refer responsible actors in Myanmar to the ICC.
The 12 Rohingya leaders who participated in the session represent 12 camp-based organizations in Cox’s Bazar District.