Rohingya genocide: Canada-Netherlands Support for Gambia
Canada and the Netherlands have expressed interest in joining the Rohingya genocide case filed by Gambia at the International Court of Justice. Canadian Foreign Minister François-Philippe Champagne and Dutch Foreign Minister Stef Block made the announcement in a joint statement on Wednesday. The Gambia s application showed the discrimination and persecution of the Rohingya in Myanmar_ which created the conditions for Myanmar s security forces to perpetrate targeted and systemic atrocities against the Rohingya. François-Philippe Champagne_ minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada_ and Stef Blok_ minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands issued the joint statement in this regard on Wednesday. It stated that Myanmar s violations include the commission of genocide against the Rohingya_ mostly by way of the systematic and widespread perpetration of mass murder_ sexual violence_ torture_ forced displacement_ and denial of access to food and shelter. These conditions have caused over 850_000 Rohingya to flee to Bangladesh since 2016. The Genocide Convention embodies the solemn pledge to prevent the crime of genocide and hold those responsible to account. In bringing this application to the ICJ_ The Gambia took a laudable step towards ending impunity for those committing atrocities in Myanmar and upholding this pledge. Canada and the Netherlands consider it an obligation to support these efforts which are of concern to all of humanity. Canada and the Kingdom of the Netherlands will assist with the complex legal issues that are expected to arise and will pay special attention to crimes related to sexual and gender based violence_ including rape_ the statement further said. States Parties to the Genocide Convention must resolve to prevent genocide but also_ critically_ to hold perpetrators to account. Canada and the Kingdom of the Netherlands also reiterated their call to all States Parties to the Genocide Convention to support the Gambia in its efforts to address these violations. Bangladesh has been hosting over 1.1 million Rohingya refugees in camps in Cox's Bazar. Of them_ more than 730_000 Rohingyas crossed over to Bangladesh in the latest episode of exodus_ which began in August 2017_ fleeing violent persecution carried out by Myanmar security forces and civilians. - source: Anadolu Agency
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