House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Myanmar: ICJ Case

Tuesday 24 November 2020 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

UK Government supports ICJ process and urges Myanmar to comply with provisional measures
Aware of intentions from Canada and the Netherlands to join the ICJ case
Government considers genocide determination by competent courts like the ICJ

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Rushanara Ali Lab Bethnal Green and Stepney

Foreign Affairs

Context

The question arises from the situation where Canada and the Netherlands are joining Gambia in a case against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice for alleged genocide of the Rohingya people. This action raises implications for UK policies regarding international justice.

Question

What assessment has been made of the implications for UK policies of Canada and the Netherlands formally joining the Gambia in the ICJ case on the genocide of Rohingya by the Myanmar Government?

Answer from Nigel Adams

The UK Government supports the ICJ process and urges Myanmar to comply with provisional measures. They are aware of intentions from Canada and the Netherlands and will take a final decision once the case progresses. The government continues to monitor closely and considers whether intervention would add value.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific commitment on joining the case was not provided.

How: Monitoring Closely, Considering Whether Intervention

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Q2 Rushanara Ali Lab Bethnal Green and Stepney

Foreign Affairs

Context

The question follows previous inquiries about the UK's involvement in a legal case against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice for alleged genocide. The issue has been raised multiple times due to concerns over justice and accountability.

Question

Failure to secure justice and hold Burmese Government accountable sends dangerous message; will the Minister clearly state if the UK Government will join the ICJ case? If not, can he commit to a future decision soon?

Answer from Nigel Adams

Acknowledges work on accountability issues, supports the ICJ process for putting pressure on Myanmar. Agrees with UN fact-finding mission that 2017 events constitute ethnic cleansing. Considers genocide determination by competent courts like the ICJ.