Free Rohingya Coalition (FRC) expressed gratitude to Maldives over the government's decision to file a written declaration of intervention at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) at The Hague in support of the persecuted Rohingya people.
Highlighting that the genocide against the Rohingya effectively began in 1978, Ro Nay san Lwin, a founder of FRC stated, "Your action today speaks louder than the countless statements about us which are issued. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts".
Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid announced the decision to intervene while addressing the 43rd Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva on February 25.
"The Maldives Cabinet has now decided that there are strong grounds for intervening in support of the Rohingya people in the case before the ICJ. We will be filing a written declaration at the appropriate time", declared the minister during the address.
The foreign ministry has revealed that renowned humanitarian lawyer Amal Clooney, of Doughty Street Chambers, will represent Maldives in the case before the ICJ.
Maldives has repeatedly advocated for accountability against the persecution of the Rohingya. Notably, the government launched a nationwide movement to aid the community, raising over MVR 18 million in funds.
On January 23, ICJ ordered Myanmar to "take all measures within its power” to protect the Rohingya from genocide.
The court ordered Myanmar to report back within four months, and then every six months after that. It also told Myanmar to prevent the destruction of any evidence of crimes against the Rohingya.
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