ICJ Ruling on Rohingya Case to Challenge OIC's Commitment

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has emphasized Muslim solidarity in its operations. Nine years ago, Myanmar's military conducted attacks against Rohingya civilians, resulting in the displacement of hundreds of thousands. The Rohingya continue to face statelessness, violence, and perilous conditions while attempting to flee by sea. Despite OIC summits and resolutions over the years, effective protection for the Rohingya has not been realized. The Burma Human Rights Network (BHRN) has collected evidence of atrocities, including testimonies from survivors and documentation of the destruction of Rohingya villages, denial of citizenship, and starvation. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is anticipated to rule later this year on whether Myanmar's actions amount to genocide. The author expresses skepticism about whether a ruling would halt ongoing atrocities, noting that many survivors still rely on minimal food assistance and face dangers at sea. The author urges OIC foreign ministers, meeting in Baghdad on October 17, to take actionable steps following the ICJ ruling, including refusing to return Rohingya to Myanmar, protecting those who reach their territories, and supporting refugees in Bangladesh. The author highlights the inconsistency between the OIC's commitments and the treatment of Rohingya by member states. Bangladesh currently hosts 1.2 million Rohingya and has faced pressure to repatriate them. The OIC is also called to address abuses against Rohingya by non-member states. The author acknowledges the efforts of community organizations, journalists, and advocates who have worked to document and support the Rohingya, emphasizing that government action is necessary to translate solidarity into meaningful outcomes.