LAW’s Rohingya Crisis Programme Manager Interviewed for Al Jazeera

In May 2024, Ishita Kumar, LAW’s Rohingya Crisis programme manager, was interviewed for Al Jazeera live on the current increasing violence in Myanmar’s western Rakhine state that is home to the Rohingya community.

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN OHCHR) states that an estimated 4,000 Rohingya civilians have been displaced due to ongoing fighting and are currently seeking protection. UN is still corroborating information to determine who is responsible for the alleged killing of Rohingya civilians and the burning of their property.

In the interview, Ishita Kumar highlighted the concerning developments in Rakhine State, that have in recent days disproportionately impacted the Rohingya civilians who still remain in Myanmar. The conflict has also resulted in deteriorating security situation in the refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar with serious protection incidents including abductions and extortions being recorded routinely. 

Amidst these challenges, the Rohingya refugees’ pursuit of justice for the past atrocities particularly during the 2016 and 2017 “clearance operations” continue. LAW is currently representing over 400 Rohingya in the ongoing international justice processes including the Gambia v. Myanmar case before the International Court of Justice, where Gambia recently filed its reply to Myanmar’s counter memorial submitted last year.

LAW remains committed to work with the Rohingya community for their meaningful participation in these accountability processes that are key to address the cycle of impunity enjoyed by the Myanmar military which has emboldened it to continue the atrocities against the Rohingya and other civilians across Myanmar till date.

Find the full interview here.