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AJC PUBLISHED PRIMER ON CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY
AJC's first publication in our series of primers for international accountability in Asia addresses crimes against humanity. This primer serves as a brief but concise explainer on what crimes against humanity are, the legal elements to be satisfied, potential avenues for investigating and prosecuting them, and considerations for civil society organizations (CSOs) or individuals potentially involved in the documentation of such crimes. |
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AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL: AUNG SAN SUU KYI GOES ON TRIAL; ASEAN INDECISIVE
On 15 June 2021, Amnesty International urged ASEAN Member States to support calls for the release of those detained in the country as Aung San Suu Kyi stands trial for seven charges and decades in prison. Amnesty also stated that ASEAN must stop shielding the Myanmar military from international pressure and accountability as the country's human rights crisis continues to worsen dramatically.
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RESEARCH WORKSHOP: 'MYANMAR AND INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL LAW'
On 17 June 2021, AJC's Research and Policy Fellow Jennifer Keene-McCann participated in a research workshop: 'Myanmar and International Criminal Law: Research Agendas.' organized by Griffith Asia Institute at Griffith University, Australia. Ms. McCann discussed the Coalition's work on universal jurisdiction, the potential relationship between universal jurisdiction matters and wider accountability measures, and opportunities for pursuing universal jurisdiction matters in the region.
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GLOBAL JUSTICE CENTER PRESS CONFERENCE
On 24 June 2021, Mr. Grant Shubin of Global Justice Center moderated a press conference co-organized by Women's League of Burma and Asia Pacific Forum on Women, Law and Development. The press conference highlighted the perspectives and experiences of ethnic women in Myanmar in relation to the coup. |
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HRW: 'RIGHTS OF WOMEN VIOLATED IN MYANMAR PRISONS'
On 8 June 2021, Human Rights Watch released an article on women’s reports of sexual violence and other forms of gendered harassment and humiliation by Myanmar security forces while in detention.
Detainees also stated that there is lack of access to sanitation, privacy, and menstrual hygiene products in these detention centers.
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AJC STATEMENT ON MR. KARIM KHAN AS NEW ICC PROSECUTOR
On 16 June 2021, Asia Justice Coalition issued a statement congratulating Mr. Karim Asad Ahmad Khan on his swearing in and commencement of his nine-year term as Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC). The Coalition also thanked Ms. Fatou Bensouda, the former Prosecutor, for her service, contribution, and dedication to international criminal justice.
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UN SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE: GRAVE CONCERN OVER REPORTS OF SGBV
On 25 June 2021, Ms. Pramila Patten, UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict expressed grave concern over reports of sexual violence in detention settings in Myanmar. Ms. Patten noted that 'sexual assault, torture, physical and verbal abuse and intimidation have become an alarming feature of daily life' in Myanmar. She also noted that such allegations of sexual violence may amount to violations of international criminal law.
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UN SPECIAL ADVISER ON GENOCIDE: SITUATION MAY CONSTITUTE CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY
On 28 June 2021, Ms. Alice Waimiru Nderitu, the UN Special Adviser on Genocide spoke before the United Nations Human Rights Council during its 47th Session. Ms. Nderitu voiced concerns that the situation in Myanmar is 'deteriorating quickly' and 'may constitute crimes against humanity'. She also also noted the need for accountability for past crimes to deter the commission of more atrocity crimes.
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UN IN MYANMAR ALARMED AT SHARP DETERIORATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS ENFORCEMENT
On 17 June 2021, the UN in Myanmar issued a statement expressing their alarm at the human rights climate in Myanmar. The statement highlighted the discovery of two mass graves in Myawaddy Township and the burning of over 150 homes in Pauk Township, leaving two dead and approximately 1000 homeless. The statement called on those responsible for human rights violations to be held accountable.
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UK ANNOUNCED FURTHER SANCTIONS ON COMPANIES LINKED TO MYANMAR MILITARY REGIME
On 22 June 2021, the United Kingdom's Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab announced new sanctions against the Myanmar Timber Enterprise, Myanmar Pearl Enterprise, and the State Administration Council. This is the UK's sixth tranch of Myanmar sanctions.
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UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY ADOPTED RESOLUTION ON MYANMAR
On 18 June 2021, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on Myanmar. It called on the Myanmar military to respect human rights, cease violence against protestors, implement ASEAN's five-point consensus, and to 'prevent the flow of arms'. 119 States voted in favor, 1 voted against, and 36 abstained from voting.
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OHCHR: 'BACHELET ISSUES STRONG WARNING OF IMMINENT BLOODSHED AND SUFFERING IN MYANMAR'
On 11 June 2021, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet warned that a further escalation of violence is unfolding across Myanmar and must be halted to prevent even greater loss of life.
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REUTERS: 'MYANMAR JUNTA OPPONENTS SAY NO FAITH IN ASEAN AS ENVOY VISIT'
On 3 June 2021, ASEAN envoys arrived in Myanmar for discussions with General Min Aung Hlaing. The meeting reportedly discussed Myanmar’s cooperation on humanitarian issues, holding elections, and alleged irregularities during the 2020 elections. Opponents of Myanmar's junta said that they have lost faith in Southeast Asian efforts to end the crisis in Myanmar.
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SKYNEWS: 'EX-MYANMAR POLICE OFFICERS REVEAL HOW THEY WERE TOLD TO SHOOT PROTESTORS'
Former members of the Myanmar security forces revealed to Sky News that they were ordered to shoot protestors who gathered in groups of more than five people. Those who followed orders received a reward or were promoted. One soldier claimed that such orders were at the behest of General Min Aung Hlaing. |
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