The Rohingya Crisis: Analyzing State Responsibility under International Law

International Laws Involved: 1951 Refugee Convention, Genocide Convention

The plight of the Rohingya people in Myanmar has highlighted critical issues regarding state responsibility under international law. The forced displacement of over 700,000 Rohingya into Bangladesh, coupled with widespread allegations of ethnic cleansing, raises questions under the 1951 Refugee Convention, which obligates states to protect individuals fleeing persecution. Furthermore, the Genocide Convention warrants investigation into potential genocidal acts, as states have a responsibility to prevent and punish such crimes. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is currently reviewing Myanmar's obligations under these statutes.