US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a> has recognised the 1915 killing of Armenians as ‘genocide’ in a statement made on the anniversary of the massacre.

"We remember the lives of all those who died in the Ottoman-era Armenian genocide and recommit ourselves to preventing such an atrocity from ever again occurring," Biden said. "And we remember so that we remain ever-vigilant against the corrosive influence of hate in all its forms."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-needs-to-decide-india-is-a-friend-or-partner-as-new-delhi-is-being-hurt-379608" hreflang="en">US needs to decide India is a friend or partner as New Delhi is being hurt</a>

The statement comes a day after the Biden administration informed the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that he would be taking this step of labelling the killings by Ottoman forces as genocide.

By doing this, Biden has become the first US President to use the term 'genocide' in a customary statement and has urged Erdogan to come to terms with the usage of the term.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-change-the-action-is-missing-despite-the-high-profile-summits-379354" hreflang="en">Climate change: The action is missing despite the high-profile summits</a>

His statement is being dealt as a victory for Armenia as a statement had been pending from the US for years, although France, Germany, Canada, and Russia had already recognised the incident as genocide.

However, Biden has also cleared the air by stressing that the statement was "not to cast blame but to ensure that what happened is never repeated."

He also assured that the decision was made "in a very principled way focused on the merits of human rights, and not for any reason beyond that, including placing blame."

As many as 1.5 million Armenians are estimated to have been killed from 1915 to 1917 during the waning days of the Ottoman Empire, which suspected the Christian minority of conspiring with adversary Russia in World War I.

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden has recognised the 1915 killing of Armenians as ‘genocide’ in a statement made on the anniversary of the massacre. "We remember the lives of all those who died in the Ottoman-era Armenian genocide and recommit ourselves to preventing such an atrocity from ever again occurring," Biden said.

US President Joe Biden has recognised the 1915 killing of Armenians as ‘genocide’ in a statement made on the anniversary of the massacre. "We remember the lives of all those who died in the Ottoman-era Armenian genocide and recommit ourselves to preventing such an atrocity from ever again occurring," Biden said. "And we remember so that we remain ever-vigilant against the corrosive influence of hate in all its forms." Also read | US needs to decide India is a friend or partner as New Delhi is being hurt The statement comes a day after the Biden administration informed the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that he would be taking this step of labelling the killings by Ottoman forces as genocide. By doing this, Biden has become the first US President to use the term 'genocide' in a customary statement and has urged Erdogan to come to terms with the usage of the term. Also read | Climate change: The action is missing despite the high-profile summits His statement is being dealt as a victory for Armenia as a statement had been pending from the US for years, although France, Germany, Canada, and Russia had already recognised the incident as genocide. However, Biden has also cleared the air by stressing that the statement was "not to cast blame but to ensure that what happened is never repeated." He also assured that the decision was made "in a very principled way focused on the merits of human rights, and not for any reason beyond that, including placing blame." As many as 1.5 million Armenians are estimated to have been killed from 1915 to 1917 during the waning days of the Ottoman Empire, which suspected the Christian minority of conspiring with adversary Russia in World War I. (With inputs from agencies)

Joe Biden recognises 1915 killings of Armenians as 'genocide'

Britain's parliament called for the government to take action to end what lawmakers described as genocide in China's Xinjiang region. Lawmakers have also called the UK government to use international law to bring the genocide to an end.

UK parliament declares genocide in China's Xinjiang

US President Joe Biden is preparing to recognise the killing of 1.5 million Armenians by Ottoman Empire in World War I era as genocide, as per reports in US media. This move is sure to create tension between the US and its NATO ally Turkey.

Turkey vehemently rejects such a designation but it has already been adopted by dozens of other countries including France and Russia.

It is expected that Biden will announce the designation on Saturday, as per New York Times and Wall Street Journal. Saturday also marks 106th anniversary of the mass killings that began in 1915, when the Ottoman Empire was battling Tsarist Russia during World War I in the region that is now Armenia.

The move would make Biden the first US president to explicitly call the killings a genocide, and although the historic designation would carry no legal consequences it would infuriate Ankara, which insists there was no genocide and that both sides committed atrocities during the war.

The reports came after more than 100 members of Congress, led by Adam Schiff, the Democratic chair of the House Intelligence Committee, wrote to the president urging him to make good on a campaign promise to recognize the genocide.

The US Congress formally recognized the killings as genocide in December 2019 in a symbolic vote. 
"For decades, while leaders around the world recognize the first genocide of the 20th century, the president of the United States has remained silent," the letter said.

"Mr President, as you said last year in your April 24 statement, 'Silence is complicity.' The shameful silence of the United States government on the historic fact of the Armenian Genocide has gone on for too long, and it must end," the letter said.

After the Dutch parliament passed a motion in February urging the government to recognize the genocide, Turkey said the move was "aimed at rewriting history based on political motives."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden is preparing to recognise the killing of 1.5 million Armenians by Ottoman Empire in World War I era as genocide, as per reports in US media.

US President Joe Biden is preparing to recognise the killing of 1.5 million Armenians by Ottoman Empire in World War I era as genocide, as per reports in US media. This move is sure to create tension between the US and its NATO ally Turkey. Turkey vehemently rejects such a designation but it has already been adopted by dozens of other countries including France and Russia. It is expected that Biden will announce the designation on Saturday, as per New York Times and Wall Street Journal. Saturday also marks 106th anniversary of the mass killings that began in 1915, when the Ottoman Empire was battling Tsarist Russia during World War I in the region that is now Armenia. The move would make Biden the first US president to explicitly call the killings a genocide, and although the historic designation would carry no legal consequences it would infuriate Ankara, which insists there was no genocide and that both sides committed atrocities during the war. The reports came after more than 100 members of Congress, led by Adam Schiff, the Democratic chair of the House Intelligence Committee, wrote to the president urging him to make good on a campaign promise to recognize the genocide. The US Congress formally recognized the killings as genocide in December 2019 in a symbolic vote. "For decades, while leaders around the world recognize the first genocide of the 20th century, the president of the United States has remained silent," the letter said. "Mr President, as you said last year in your April 24 statement, 'Silence is complicity.' The shameful silence of the United States government on the historic fact of the Armenian Genocide has gone on for too long, and it must end," the letter said. After the Dutch parliament passed a motion in February urging the government to recognize the genocide, Turkey said the move was "aimed at rewriting history based on political motives." (With inputs from agencies)

Biden to recognise WW-I massacre of Armenians as genocide: Reports

A group of female demonstrators in Kazakhstan is demanding safe passage for their relatives who are trapped or missing in the Xinjian region in China.

WION Dispatch: Kazakhstan women group is protesting against Xinjiang genocide

Beijing's persecution of Uighurs is not new, it has been termed as genocide and a violation of Human Rights by major world powers. The Uighurs continue to be subjected to intimidation and threats. WION tells you more.

High level Chinese study exposes Uighur's persecution

A global campaign to call out China's genocide is underway. After Canada, the Dutch parliament has passed a resolution - labelling China's treatment of the Uighurs as genocide. What do these indictments mean for China? WION's Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: Now, A European Nation is blaming China for genocide

The Dutch parliament passed a non-binding motion saying the treatment of the Uighur Muslim minority in China amounts to genocide, the first such move by a European country.

Motion: China's Uighurs facing genocide

China has condemned a motion passed by Dutch lawmakers declaring that Beijing's actions towards minority groups in Xinjiang amounted to genocide.

The Dutch parliament passed the motion on Thursday that "genocide is underway in China against the Uighur minority," joining countries including Canada and the United States in applying the label.

Rights groups believe at least one million Uighurs and other mostly Muslim minorities have been incarcerated in camps in the northwestern region, where China is also accused of forcibly sterilising women and imposing forced labour.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin on Friday, to this end, hit back at the motion, accusing Dutch lawmakers of using Xinjiang as an excuse to "deliberately smear China and crudely interfere in China's internal affairs."

"The facts show that there has never been any 'genocide' in Xinjiang," Wang told reporters at a regular briefing.

The Netherlands is the first European country to accuse China of genocide, after Canadian MPs and the US State Department made similar statements.

After initially denying the existence of the Xinjiang camps, China later defended them as vocational training centres aimed at reducing the appeal of Islamic extremism.

Beijing said last week that its treatment of ethnic minorities there and in Tibet "stood out as shining examples of China's human rights progress."

Wang on Friday said he hoped the Netherlands would "immediately stop its wrongdoings and take concrete actions to safeguard the overall situation of bilateral relations."

He also said EU representatives were welcome to visit Xinjiang, and accused the EU of causing delays to the trip by demanding to meet with "criminals" sentenced for separatism.

Earlier this week, in Beijing, a Chinese spokesperson held up the photograph of a victim who revealed abuses. In short, the wolf warriors called her an actor who is disseminating falsehoods.

When faced with criticism at global platforms, China has deployed its diplomats to fire back.

The same thing happened with Hong Kong. When China was criticised for its crackdown, it secured the support of more than 50 countries at the human rights council.

Similarly, when Xinjiang was raised in 2019, 54 countries signed a statement in support of China.

Now it's back in focus. The UK has called for a UN-led probe into the Uighur detention camps.

And the UN human rights chief is ready to visit Xinjiang.

But resolutions and criticism have little impact on China. Earlier this week, Human Rights Watch said China has increased its persecution of Uighurs with more prosecutions and longer prison sentences.

Branding it a genocide is a welcome first step. The world needs to follow this up with more -- and make China pay.

China has condemned a motion passed by Dutch lawmakers declaring that Beijing's actions towards minority groups in Xinjiang amounted to genocide. The Dutch parliament passed the motion on Thursday that "genocide is underway in China against the Uighur minority," joining countries including Canada and the United States in applying the label.

China has condemned a motion passed by Dutch lawmakers declaring that Beijing's actions towards minority groups in Xinjiang amounted to genocide. The Dutch parliament passed the motion on Thursday that "genocide is underway in China against the Uighur minority," joining countries including Canada and the United States in applying the label. Rights groups believe at least one million Uighurs and other mostly Muslim minorities have been incarcerated in camps in the northwestern region, where China is also accused of forcibly sterilising women and imposing forced labour. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin on Friday, to this end, hit back at the motion, accusing Dutch lawmakers of using Xinjiang as an excuse to "deliberately smear China and crudely interfere in China's internal affairs." "The facts show that there has never been any 'genocide' in Xinjiang," Wang told reporters at a regular briefing. The Netherlands is the first European country to accuse China of genocide, after Canadian MPs and the US State Department made similar statements. After initially denying the existence of the Xinjiang camps, China later defended them as vocational training centres aimed at reducing the appeal of Islamic extremism. Beijing said last week that its treatment of ethnic minorities there and in Tibet "stood out as shining examples of China's human rights progress." Wang on Friday said he hoped the Netherlands would "immediately stop its wrongdoings and take concrete actions to safeguard the overall situation of bilateral relations." He also said EU representatives were welcome to visit Xinjiang, and accused the EU of causing delays to the trip by demanding to meet with "criminals" sentenced for separatism. Earlier this week, in Beijing, a Chinese spokesperson held up the photograph of a victim who revealed abuses. In short, the wolf warriors called her an actor who is disseminating falsehoods. When faced with criticism at global platforms, China has deployed its diplomats to fire back. The same thing happened with Hong Kong. When China was criticised for its crackdown, it secured the support of more than 50 countries at the human rights council. Similarly, when Xinjiang was raised in 2019, 54 countries signed a statement in support of China. Now it's back in focus. The UK has called for a UN-led probe into the Uighur detention camps. And the UN human rights chief is ready to visit Xinjiang. But resolutions and criticism have little impact on China. Earlier this week, Human Rights Watch said China has increased its persecution of Uighurs with more prosecutions and longer prison sentences. Branding it a genocide is a welcome first step. The world needs to follow this up with more -- and make China pay.

China slams Dutch motion declaring genocide in Xinjiang

China is carrying out the largest genocide since the Holocaust. The world is joining hands to punish China. Will India join in too? WION's Palki Sharma tells you all you need to know about the Uighur genocide in less than 7 mins.

Gravitas: China called out on Uighur genocide

China on Monday rejected 'slanderous attacks' about conditions for Muslim Uighurs and other minorities living in its Xinjiang region, insisting that they enjoyed the freedom of religion and labour rights just like other citizens in the country.

China rejects genocide charges in Xinjiang region

Paul Rusesabagina depicted as a hero in a Hollywood movie about Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and now on trial for terrorism, was denied bail on Thursday though he had promised not to escape.

Rusesabagina, who once called for armed resistance to the government in a YouTube video, was charged in a Kigali court on Monday with 13 counts including terrorism, complicity in murder and involvement with an irregular armed group.

The 66-year-old former hotel manager was portrayed in the Oscar-nominated film “Hotel Rwanda” using his connections with the Hutu elite to protect Tutsis fleeing the slaughter.

Rejecting Rusesabagina’s bail application, Judge Dorothee Yankurije said he faced grave charges and must spend 30 days in jail while authorities complete investigations.

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“Being in jail will not stop Rusesabagina from having medical care,” she said.

Rusesabagina, a Belgian citizen who had been residing in the United States, cited ill health in his application, vowing not to try to escape from Rwanda during the trial where he may face up to life imprisonment if convicted.

His lawyers said they were dissatisfied by the ruling and that they would launch an appeal.

“His illness is a key concern,” David Rugaza, one of his lawyers, told reporters after the ruling.

His trial and the mysterious circumstances surrounding his appearance in Rwanda after years in exile are shining a spotlight on political opposition to President Paul Kagame.

Rusesabagina’s family in the United States accuse Kagame’s government of kidnapping him from Dubai, where he was on a trip, a claim that officials in Kigali reject.

Kagame has ruled Rwanda since the end of the genocide and won the last elections - in 2017 - with nearly 99% of the vote.

Though credited with bringing stability and economic growth, Kagame’s foes say he has become increasingly autocratic.

Paul Rusesabagina depicted as a hero in a Hollywood movie about Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and now on trial for terrorism, was denied bail on Thursday though he had promised not to escape.

Paul Rusesabagina depicted as a hero in a Hollywood movie about Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and now on trial for terrorism, was denied bail on Thursday though he had promised not to escape. Rusesabagina, who once called for armed resistance to the government in a YouTube video, was charged in a Kigali court on Monday with 13 counts including terrorism, complicity in murder and involvement with an irregular armed group. The 66-year-old former hotel manager was portrayed in the Oscar-nominated film “Hotel Rwanda” using his connections with the Hutu elite to protect Tutsis fleeing the slaughter. Rejecting Rusesabagina’s bail application, Judge Dorothee Yankurije said he faced grave charges and must spend 30 days in jail while authorities complete investigations. × “Being in jail will not stop Rusesabagina from having medical care,” she said. Rusesabagina, a Belgian citizen who had been residing in the United States, cited ill health in his application, vowing not to try to escape from Rwanda during the trial where he may face up to life imprisonment if convicted. His lawyers said they were dissatisfied by the ruling and that they would launch an appeal. “His illness is a key concern,” David Rugaza, one of his lawyers, told reporters after the ruling. His trial and the mysterious circumstances surrounding his appearance in Rwanda after years in exile are shining a spotlight on political opposition to President Paul Kagame. Rusesabagina’s family in the United States accuse Kagame’s government of kidnapping him from Dubai, where he was on a trip, a claim that officials in Kigali reject. Kagame has ruled Rwanda since the end of the genocide and won the last elections - in 2017 - with nearly 99% of the vote. Though credited with bringing stability and economic growth, Kagame’s foes say he has become increasingly autocratic.

'Hotel Rwanda' hero denied bail during terror trial

German prosecutors said on Monday they were investigating a retired police officer suspected of sending threatening emails, signed with the name of a gang of neo-Nazi killers, to prominent figures of immigrant background.

Concern is growing in Germany that potentially violent anti-immigrant nationalists may be gaining footholds in the uniformed services - a matter of huge sensitivity in a country still acutely aware of the World War Two genocide of millions of Jews and others by Hitler`s Nazis.

The man and his wife were detained on Friday but then released while police searched seized computer storage devices.

The emails, including some sent to legislators of Turkish background, were signed "NSU 2.0", a reference to the "National Socialist Underground" neo-Nazi gang, which murdered 10 people, mainly immigrants, between 2000 and 2007.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/juvenile-in-1944-ex-nazi-camp-guard-93-gets-suspended-sentence-315410">Also read:&nbsp;Juvenile in 1944, ex-Nazi camp guard, 93, gets suspended sentence</a>

"The suspects, a former Bavarian police officer, 63, and his wife, 55, had previously come to the attention of police in connection with racially motivated crimes," prosecutors in the city of Frankfurt said. "They are suspected of having sent emails with offensive, inflammatory and threatening contents to legislators and others."

Last week, the interior minister of the state of Hesse said he was aware of 69 such emails. One of the recipients was Aiman Mazyek, chair of the Central Council of Muslims, who published the text on Twitter: "Heil Hitler. Yours, NSU 2.0".

There have been reports that some emails contained restricted information about public figures, implying that the perpetrators may have had access to police databases.

Last month, the government announced it was disbanding a company of an elite commando unit in a effort to purge it of persistent far-right extremism.

German prosecutors said on Monday they were investigating a retired police officer suspected of sending threatening emails, signed with the name of a gang of neo-Nazi killers, to prominent figures of immigrant background.

German prosecutors said on Monday they were investigating a retired police officer suspected of sending threatening emails, signed with the name of a gang of neo-Nazi killers, to prominent figures of immigrant background. Concern is growing in Germany that potentially violent anti-immigrant nationalists may be gaining footholds in the uniformed services - a matter of huge sensitivity in a country still acutely aware of the World War Two genocide of millions of Jews and others by Hitler`s Nazis. The man and his wife were detained on Friday but then released while police searched seized computer storage devices. The emails, including some sent to legislators of Turkish background, were signed "NSU 2.0", a reference to the "National Socialist Underground" neo-Nazi gang, which murdered 10 people, mainly immigrants, between 2000 and 2007. Also read: Juvenile in 1944, ex-Nazi camp guard, 93, gets suspended sentence "The suspects, a former Bavarian police officer, 63, and his wife, 55, had previously come to the attention of police in connection with racially motivated crimes," prosecutors in the city of Frankfurt said. "They are suspected of having sent emails with offensive, inflammatory and threatening contents to legislators and others." Last week, the interior minister of the state of Hesse said he was aware of 69 such emails. One of the recipients was Aiman Mazyek, chair of the Central Council of Muslims, who published the text on Twitter: "Heil Hitler. Yours, NSU 2.0". There have been reports that some emails contained restricted information about public figures, implying that the perpetrators may have had access to police databases. Last month, the government announced it was disbanding a company of an elite commando unit in a effort to purge it of persistent far-right extremism.

Retired German policeman investigated over far-right threats

France has opened a probe into alleged crimes against humanity by a top former Rwandan military official, Aloys Ntiwiragabo, during the country's 1994 genocide which claimed 800,000 lives.

Anti-terrorism prosecutors told AFP Saturday that a preliminary investigation was opened after Ntiwiragabo was found hiding in the suburbs of the city of Orleans, about 100 kilometres south-west of Paris.

French investigative news site Mediapart tracked down the former Rwandan spy chief, who was identified by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) as one of the architects of the genocide.

Neither the ICTR, Interpol, France nor Rwanda were actively seeking him now and had dropped arrest warrants years ago.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-court-orders-rwanda-genocide-suspect-be-tried-at-un-tribunal-302986">Also read:&nbsp;French court orders Rwanda genocide suspect be tried at UN tribunal</a>

The revelation of his whereabouts comes barely two months after another suspected genocide architect, Felicien Kabuga, was arrested on the fringes of Paris.

Kabuga, who evaded police in several countries for 25 years, is accused of financing the genocide.

Kabuga had asked for a trial in France, citing frail health and claiming the United Nations court in Africa would be biased against him, and possibly hand him over to Rwandan authorities.

France has long been known as a hiding place for wanted genocide suspects and French investigators currently have dozens of cases underway.

A plane carrying President Juvenal Habyarimana, from Rwanda's Hutu majority, was shot down in Kigali on April 6, 1994, unleashing the killing spree that would leave mainly Tutsis but also moderate Hutus dead.

France has opened a probe into alleged crimes against humanity by a top former Rwandan military official, Aloys Ntiwiragabo, during the country's 1994 genocide which claimed 800,000 lives.

France has opened a probe into alleged crimes against humanity by a top former Rwandan military official, Aloys Ntiwiragabo, during the country's 1994 genocide which claimed 800,000 lives. Anti-terrorism prosecutors told AFP Saturday that a preliminary investigation was opened after Ntiwiragabo was found hiding in the suburbs of the city of Orleans, about 100 kilometres south-west of Paris. French investigative news site Mediapart tracked down the former Rwandan spy chief, who was identified by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) as one of the architects of the genocide. Neither the ICTR, Interpol, France nor Rwanda were actively seeking him now and had dropped arrest warrants years ago. Also read: French court orders Rwanda genocide suspect be tried at UN tribunal The revelation of his whereabouts comes barely two months after another suspected genocide architect, Felicien Kabuga, was arrested on the fringes of Paris. Kabuga, who evaded police in several countries for 25 years, is accused of financing the genocide. Kabuga had asked for a trial in France, citing frail health and claiming the United Nations court in Africa would be biased against him, and possibly hand him over to Rwandan authorities. France has long been known as a hiding place for wanted genocide suspects and French investigators currently have dozens of cases underway. A plane carrying President Juvenal Habyarimana, from Rwanda's Hutu majority, was shot down in Kigali on April 6, 1994, unleashing the killing spree that would leave mainly Tutsis but also moderate Hutus dead.

France opens probe into Rwandan genocide suspect

A French court on Wednesday ordered Rwandan genocide suspect Felicien Kabuga be handed over to a United Nations tribunal for trial.

UN&nbsp;prosecutors accuse Kabuga of bankrolling and arming ethnic Hutu militias that killed 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus in Rwanda during a 100-day period in 1994. He is indicted for genocide and incitement to commit genocide, among other charges.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="wionews.com/world/rwanda-genocide-suspect-kabuga-arrested-by-french-police-299069" hreflang="en">Rwanda genocide suspect Kabuga arrested by French police</a>

Kabuga, whose arrest in Paris in May ended a manhunt that lasted more than two decades, has called the charges lies.&nbsp;

His lawyers say he would not receive a fair trial at the tribunal, which is based in The Hague and in Arusha, Tanzania. They also argue his health is too frail for him to be transferred to the African country, particularly during a dangerous pandemic.&nbsp;

But the court said his health was "not incompatible" with a transfer. The 87-year-old is currently being held in a Paris prison.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="wionews.com/world/belgian-court-convicts-rwandan-official-for-genocide-269281" hreflang="en">Belgian court convicts Rwandan official for genocide</a>

In a letter to the UN&nbsp;tribunal's chief prosecutor, Serge Brammertz, ahead of Wednesday's ruling, Kabuga's lawyers urged him to leave the case with France's judiciary.&nbsp;

"If you were to decide to assert the primacy of your jurisdiction over French jurisdiction, thus endangering the life of Felicien Kabuga, we would take the risk of renouncing on discovering the truth forever," Laurent Bayon wrote, citing Kabuga's medical history.

A French court on Wednesday ordered Rwandan genocide suspect Felicien Kabuga be handed over to a United Nations tribunal for trial. UN prosecutors accuse Kabuga of bankrolling and arming ethnic Hutu militias that killed 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus in Rwanda during a 100-day period in 1994.

A French court on Wednesday ordered Rwandan genocide suspect Felicien Kabuga be handed over to a United Nations tribunal for trial. UN prosecutors accuse Kabuga of bankrolling and arming ethnic Hutu militias that killed 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus in Rwanda during a 100-day period in 1994. He is indicted for genocide and incitement to commit genocide, among other charges. Also read: Rwanda genocide suspect Kabuga arrested by French police Kabuga, whose arrest in Paris in May ended a manhunt that lasted more than two decades, has called the charges lies. His lawyers say he would not receive a fair trial at the tribunal, which is based in The Hague and in Arusha, Tanzania. They also argue his health is too frail for him to be transferred to the African country, particularly during a dangerous pandemic. But the court said his health was "not incompatible" with a transfer. The 87-year-old is currently being held in a Paris prison. Also read: Belgian court convicts Rwandan official for genocide In a letter to the UN tribunal's chief prosecutor, Serge Brammertz, ahead of Wednesday's ruling, Kabuga's lawyers urged him to leave the case with France's judiciary. "If you were to decide to assert the primacy of your jurisdiction over French jurisdiction, thus endangering the life of Felicien Kabuga, we would take the risk of renouncing on discovering the truth forever," Laurent Bayon wrote, citing Kabuga's medical history.

French court orders Rwanda genocide suspect be tried at UN tribunal

Under Hitler, Germany tried to wipe out the entire Jewish Community in Europe. At least six million people were killed in this genocide. WION's Palki Sharma gets you the story of the Holocaust.

Gravitas: The story of the Holocaust

The Nobel peace prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi has defended Myanmar’s government against accusations of genocide at the international court of justice (ICJ), calling the allegations an “incomplete and misleading factual picture of the situation in Rakhine state”.

Violence in Rakhine state centuries old, says Aung San Suu Kyi

Myanmar's State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi will defend her country from accusations of genocide against the Rohingya community at the United Nation's top court.

Aung San Suu Kyi to defend Myanmar at ICJ

Nearly 100 Rohingya appeared in a Myanmar court Wednesday after being arrested for trying to flee persecution, their lawyer said, as leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/incomplete-and-misleading-suu-kyi-at-un-court-while-referring-to-accusations-of-rohingya-genocide-267647">Aung San Suu Kyi</a> addressed the UN's top court to deny allegations of a genocidal campaign against the ethnic minority.

One-by-one, the weary detainees stepped down from a police van at the courthouse in the western Myanmar city of Pathein.

Their crime was to leave their home townships without permission from authorities.

Rohingya in Rakhine state live under tight restrictions with little access to healthcare, education or livelihoods in conditions Amnesty International brands as "apartheid".

For years Rohingya have taken to boats, trains and buses in attempts to get out, risking everything in the process.

The 95 people, including 25 children, each paid several hundred dollars for a chance at a better life, lawyer Thazin Myat Myat Win told AFP.

"Some even sold their labour in advance" to pay the broker fees, she added.

Instead, they likely face two years in prison for violating the immigration act.

'Apartheid' conditions&nbsp;

They were arrested November 29 after travelling by boat from Rakhine to a southern beach where buses were waiting to take them to the commercial capital Yangon.

Their court appearance came as former rights icon Suu Kyi denied <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmars-suu-kyi-told-to-stop-the-genocide-in-united-nations-court-over-rohingya-crisis-267445">"genocidal intent"</a> in her defence of Myanmar's military operation against the Rohingya at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

On Tuesday the Nobel Peace Prize laureate sat through gruesome testimony of the violence suffered by Rohingya in the bloody military crackdown in 2017 that forced some 740,000 to flee to Bangladesh.

The Gambia, on behalf of dozens of Muslim countries, accuses Buddhist-majority Myanmar of genocide.

The West African state is calling for provisional measures to halt the ongoing persecution suffered by Rohingya in Rakhine.

Some 600,000 remain confined in Myanmar camps and villages, unable to leave without permission.

Many have tried to escape over the years to Thailand or Malaysia, often paying extortionate fees to human traffickers for places on overcrowded, decrepit boats.

'We are helpless'

The next hearing for the detained <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmars-suu-kyi-arrives-at-un-court-for-genocide-hearings-267407">Rohingya in Pathein</a> will be December 20.

They are the third group in recent months to be caught, arrested and put on trial in their attempt to flee Rakhine.

To the outrage of rights groups, the children and teenagers have so far been sent to a detention centre while one five-year-old child was imprisoned with his mother and the rest of the group.

All 52 people were sentenced to two years behind bars.

"Myanmar authorities should urgently&nbsp;free Rohingya jailed for exercising their right to freedom of movement," said John Quinley from Fortify Rights.

He cited the arrests as an example of continued efforts by the government to destroy the Rohingya.

"The International Court of Justice should issue provisional measures to stop the ongoing persecution and violence."

The Rohingya garner little sympathy within Myanmar, where many people buy the official line that the minority are illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, even though many trace their roots back generations.

"We are helpless. We've been here eight years and have no jobs," one Rohingya man from Thetkalpyin camp told AFP by phone.

"We hope she (Suu Kyi) will do her best to reveal the truth and solve our problems."

Nearly 100 Rohingya appeared in a Myanmar court Wednesday after being arrested for trying to flee persecution, their lawyer said, as leader Aung San Suu Kyi addressed the UN's top court to deny allegations of a genocidal campaign against the ethnic minority.

Nearly 100 Rohingya appeared in a Myanmar court Wednesday after being arrested for trying to flee persecution, their lawyer said, as leader Aung San Suu Kyi addressed the UN's top court to deny allegations of a genocidal campaign against the ethnic minority. One-by-one, the weary detainees stepped down from a police van at the courthouse in the western Myanmar city of Pathein. Their crime was to leave their home townships without permission from authorities. Rohingya in Rakhine state live under tight restrictions with little access to healthcare, education or livelihoods in conditions Amnesty International brands as "apartheid". For years Rohingya have taken to boats, trains and buses in attempts to get out, risking everything in the process. The 95 people, including 25 children, each paid several hundred dollars for a chance at a better life, lawyer Thazin Myat Myat Win told AFP. "Some even sold their labour in advance" to pay the broker fees, she added. Instead, they likely face two years in prison for violating the immigration act. 'Apartheid' conditions They were arrested November 29 after travelling by boat from Rakhine to a southern beach where buses were waiting to take them to the commercial capital Yangon. Their court appearance came as former rights icon Suu Kyi denied "genocidal intent" in her defence of Myanmar's military operation against the Rohingya at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). On Tuesday the Nobel Peace Prize laureate sat through gruesome testimony of the violence suffered by Rohingya in the bloody military crackdown in 2017 that forced some 740,000 to flee to Bangladesh. The Gambia, on behalf of dozens of Muslim countries, accuses Buddhist-majority Myanmar of genocide. The West African state is calling for provisional measures to halt the ongoing persecution suffered by Rohingya in Rakhine. Some 600,000 remain confined in Myanmar camps and villages, unable to leave without permission. Many have tried to escape over the years to Thailand or Malaysia, often paying extortionate fees to human traffickers for places on overcrowded, decrepit boats. 'We are helpless' The next hearing for the detained Rohingya in Pathein will be December 20. They are the third group in recent months to be caught, arrested and put on trial in their attempt to flee Rakhine. To the outrage of rights groups, the children and teenagers have so far been sent to a detention centre while one five-year-old child was imprisoned with his mother and the rest of the group. All 52 people were sentenced to two years behind bars. "Myanmar authorities should urgently free Rohingya jailed for exercising their right to freedom of movement," said John Quinley from Fortify Rights. He cited the arrests as an example of continued efforts by the government to destroy the Rohingya. "The International Court of Justice should issue provisional measures to stop the ongoing persecution and violence." The Rohingya garner little sympathy within Myanmar, where many people buy the official line that the minority are illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, even though many trace their roots back generations. "We are helpless. We've been here eight years and have no jobs," one Rohingya man from Thetkalpyin camp told AFP by phone. "We hope she (Suu Kyi) will do her best to reveal the truth and solve our problems."

95 Rohingya in Myanmar face jail as UN hears 'genocide' case

Aung San Suu Kyi, the leader of Myanmar today at United Nations' World Court said that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmars-suu-kyi-told-to-stop-the-genocide-in-united-nations-court-over-rohingya-crisis-267445">genocide case</a> brought against her country is ''incomplete and misleading''. She was defending her country, which has faced accusations of mass murdering the Rohingya Muslim minority in Myanmar.&nbsp;

The case against Myanmar was launched by the Gambia, a small West African country. It was taken up at the International Court of Justice, the United Nations' highest court. According to the Gambia, Myanmar violated the 1948 Genocide Convention.

Yesterday, Suu Kyi listened on as lawyers for Gambia detailed graphic testimony of suffering of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmars-suu-kyi-arrives-at-un-court-for-genocide-hearings-267407">Rohingya</a> at the hands of the Myanmar military.

Suu Kyi travelled to The Hague to present her country's stance. According to her office, she was going to "defend the national interest".

The Gambia made its case for the close relationship between Suu Kyi and her country's military by sharing a picture of her with government ministers - Lieutenant-General Ye Aung, Lieutenant General Sein Win and Lieutenant General Kyaw Swe.

The hearing will span for three days with the first phase being about ''provisional measures'' - a somewhat equivalent of a restraining order against Myanmar.&nbsp;

"It cannot be ruled out that disproportionate force was used by members of the defence services in some cases in disregard of international humanitarian law, or that they did not distinguish clearly enough between fighters and civilians," she said.

But she said that Myanmar was undertaking its own investigations, adding: "Surely under the circumstances, genocidal intent cannot be the only hypothesis."

Watch:&nbsp;Aung San Suu Kyi to defend Myanmar at ICJ

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/aung-san-suu-kyi-to-defend-myanmar-at-icj-267434/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Although Suu Kyi has not revealed details of her government's defence, she and her legal team are expected to argue that the court lacks jurisdiction and that no genocide has taken place in Myanmar.

The Gambia has argued it is every country's duty under the convention to prevent a genocide from taking place. The Gambia has political support from the 57-member Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Canada and the Netherlands.

More than 730,000 Rohingya fled Myanmar after the military launched a crackdown in western Rakhine state in August 2017. Most now live in crowded refugee camps in Bangladesh.

Myanmar argues the military&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmars-suu-kyi-arrives-at-un-court-for-genocide-hearings-267407">"clearance operations"</a>&nbsp;in Rakhine were a justifiable response to acts of terrorism.

(With inputs from Reuters, AFP)

Aung San Suu Kyi, the leader of Myanmar today at United Nations' World Court said that the genocide case brought against her country is ''incomplete and misleading''.

Aung San Suu Kyi, the leader of Myanmar today at United Nations' World Court said that the genocide case brought against her country is ''incomplete and misleading''. She was defending her country, which has faced accusations of mass murdering the Rohingya Muslim minority in Myanmar. The case against Myanmar was launched by the Gambia, a small West African country. It was taken up at the International Court of Justice, the United Nations' highest court. According to the Gambia, Myanmar violated the 1948 Genocide Convention. Yesterday, Suu Kyi listened on as lawyers for Gambia detailed graphic testimony of suffering of Rohingya at the hands of the Myanmar military. Suu Kyi travelled to The Hague to present her country's stance. According to her office, she was going to "defend the national interest". The Gambia made its case for the close relationship between Suu Kyi and her country's military by sharing a picture of her with government ministers - Lieutenant-General Ye Aung, Lieutenant General Sein Win and Lieutenant General Kyaw Swe. The hearing will span for three days with the first phase being about ''provisional measures'' - a somewhat equivalent of a restraining order against Myanmar. "It cannot be ruled out that disproportionate force was used by members of the defence services in some cases in disregard of international humanitarian law, or that they did not distinguish clearly enough between fighters and civilians," she said. But she said that Myanmar was undertaking its own investigations, adding: "Surely under the circumstances, genocidal intent cannot be the only hypothesis." Watch: Aung San Suu Kyi to defend Myanmar at ICJ Although Suu Kyi has not revealed details of her government's defence, she and her legal team are expected to argue that the court lacks jurisdiction and that no genocide has taken place in Myanmar. The Gambia has argued it is every country's duty under the convention to prevent a genocide from taking place. The Gambia has political support from the 57-member Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Canada and the Netherlands. More than 730,000 Rohingya fled Myanmar after the military launched a crackdown in western Rakhine state in August 2017. Most now live in crowded refugee camps in Bangladesh. Myanmar argues the military "clearance operations" in Rakhine were a justifiable response to acts of terrorism. (With inputs from Reuters, AFP)

'Incomplete and misleading': Suu Kyi at UN court while referring to accusations of Rohingya genocide

Aung San Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate arrived at the World Court today, to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmars-suu-kyi-told-to-stop-the-genocide-in-united-nations-court-over-rohingya-crisis-267445">assert Myanmar's defence</a> against the alleged genocide of Rohingya Muslims.

The case against Myanmar was launched by the Gambia, a small West African country. It was taken up at the International Court of Justice, the United Nations' highest court. According to the Gambia, Myanmar violated the 1948 Genocide Convention.

Yesterday, Suu Kyi listened on as lawyers for Gambia detailed graphic testimony of suffering of Rohingya at the hands of the Myanmar military.

Suu Kyi travelled to The Hague to present her country's stance. According to her office, she was going to "defend the national interest".

The Gambia made its case for the close relationship between Suu Kyi and her country's military by sharing a picture of her with government ministers - Lieutenant-General Ye Aung, Lieutenant General Sein Win and Lieutenant General Kyaw Swe.

The hearing will span for three days with the first phase being about ''provisional measures'' - a somewhat equivalent of a restraining order against Myanmar.&nbsp;

Although Suu Kyi has not revealed details of her government's defence, she and her legal team are expected to argue that the court lacks jurisdiction and that no genocide has taken place in Myanmar.

The Gambia has argued it is every country's duty under the convention to prevent a genocide from taking place. The Gambia has political support from the 57-member Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Canada and the Netherlands.

More than 730,000 Rohingya fled Myanmar after the military launched a crackdown in western Rakhine state in August 2017. Most now live in crowded refugee camps in Bangladesh.

Myanmar argues the military <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmars-suu-kyi-arrives-at-un-court-for-genocide-hearings-267407">"clearance operations"</a> in Rakhine were a justifiable response to acts of terrorism.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Aung San Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate arrived at the World Court today, to assert Myanmar's defence against the alleged genocide of Rohingya Muslims. The case against Myanmar was launched by the Gambia, a small West African country.

Aung San Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate arrived at the World Court today, to assert Myanmar's defence against the alleged genocide of Rohingya Muslims. The case against Myanmar was launched by the Gambia, a small West African country. It was taken up at the International Court of Justice, the United Nations' highest court. According to the Gambia, Myanmar violated the 1948 Genocide Convention. Yesterday, Suu Kyi listened on as lawyers for Gambia detailed graphic testimony of suffering of Rohingya at the hands of the Myanmar military. Suu Kyi travelled to The Hague to present her country's stance. According to her office, she was going to "defend the national interest". The Gambia made its case for the close relationship between Suu Kyi and her country's military by sharing a picture of her with government ministers - Lieutenant-General Ye Aung, Lieutenant General Sein Win and Lieutenant General Kyaw Swe. The hearing will span for three days with the first phase being about ''provisional measures'' - a somewhat equivalent of a restraining order against Myanmar. Although Suu Kyi has not revealed details of her government's defence, she and her legal team are expected to argue that the court lacks jurisdiction and that no genocide has taken place in Myanmar. The Gambia has argued it is every country's duty under the convention to prevent a genocide from taking place. The Gambia has political support from the 57-member Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Canada and the Netherlands. More than 730,000 Rohingya fled Myanmar after the military launched a crackdown in western Rakhine state in August 2017. Most now live in crowded refugee camps in Bangladesh. Myanmar argues the military "clearance operations" in Rakhine were a justifiable response to acts of terrorism. (With inputs from Reuters)

Suu Kyi leads Myanmar's defence of Rohingya genocide at UN court today

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/as-suu-kyi-looks-on-gambia-asks-un-judges-to-stop-genocide-in-myanmar-267424">Aung San Suu Kyi</a>, the Nobel laureate from Myanmar was directed to ''stop the genocide'' of Rohingya Muslims at United Nations' top court today.

Kyi, who was for long hailed as a rights icon has suffered setbacks due to her approach in dealing with the Rohingya crisis.

West African state of Gambia has accused <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmars-suu-kyi-arrives-at-un-court-for-genocide-hearings-267407">Myanmar</a> of breaching the 1948 Genocide Convention.

"This is very much a dispute between Gambia and Myanmar," Gambian Justice Minister Abubacarr Tambadou told the judges of the court, which was set up in 1946 to resolve disputes between UN member states.

Suu Kyi is representing Myanmar at the International Court of Justice.

Around 740,000 Rohingya fled to neighbouring Bangladesh after a bloody crackdown by the Myanmar military in 2017 that UN investigators have already described as genocide. 
 
"All that The Gambia asks is that you tell Myanmar to stop these senseless killings, to stop these acts of barbarity that continue to shock our collective conscience, to stop this genocide of its own people", Tambadou added.

Tambadou, a former prosecutor at the tribunal into Rwanda's 1994 genocide, said Myanmar's military operation involved "mass murder, mass rape and mass torture, children being burned alive in their homes and places of worship."

The Gambia is seeking emergency measures to prevent further harm to the Rohingya, pending a wider case at the ICJ which could take years. 
 
Suu Kyi listened to accounts by The Gambia's lawyers of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmars-suu-kyi-arrives-at-un-court-for-genocide-hearings-267407">Rohingya victims</a>, including a mother whose one-year-old son was beaten to death and an eight-month-pregnant woman who was stamped on and then repeatedly raped.

A group of some 50 pro-Rohingya protesters gathered outside the gates of the ICJ for the hearing, carrying banners saying: 'Say yes to Rohingya, justice delayed is justice denied" and "Stop Burma military attack Rohingya."

Thousands of people have also turned out in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/thousands-in-myanmar-rally-behind-suu-kyi-ahead-of-hague-court-date-266956">Suu Kyi's support in Myanmar</a> in recent weeks since she announced that she would personally lead the southeast Asian nation's case at the court.

Suu Kyi is set to speak in Myanmar's defence on Wednesday. She is expected to argue that Myanmar was conducting legitimate operations against Rohingya militants and that the ICJ has no jurisdiction in the case. 
&nbsp;

Aung San Suu Kyi, the Nobel laureate from Myanmar was directed to ''stop the genocide'' of Rohingya Muslims at United Nations' top court today. Kyi, who was for long hailed as a rights icon has suffered setbacks due to her approach in dealing with the Rohingya crisis.

Aung San Suu Kyi, the Nobel laureate from Myanmar was directed to ''stop the genocide'' of Rohingya Muslims at United Nations' top court today. Kyi, who was for long hailed as a rights icon has suffered setbacks due to her approach in dealing with the Rohingya crisis. West African state of Gambia has accused Myanmar of breaching the 1948 Genocide Convention. "This is very much a dispute between Gambia and Myanmar," Gambian Justice Minister Abubacarr Tambadou told the judges of the court, which was set up in 1946 to resolve disputes between UN member states. Suu Kyi is representing Myanmar at the International Court of Justice. Around 740,000 Rohingya fled to neighbouring Bangladesh after a bloody crackdown by the Myanmar military in 2017 that UN investigators have already described as genocide. "All that The Gambia asks is that you tell Myanmar to stop these senseless killings, to stop these acts of barbarity that continue to shock our collective conscience, to stop this genocide of its own people", Tambadou added. Tambadou, a former prosecutor at the tribunal into Rwanda's 1994 genocide, said Myanmar's military operation involved "mass murder, mass rape and mass torture, children being burned alive in their homes and places of worship." The Gambia is seeking emergency measures to prevent further harm to the Rohingya, pending a wider case at the ICJ which could take years. Suu Kyi listened to accounts by The Gambia's lawyers of Rohingya victims, including a mother whose one-year-old son was beaten to death and an eight-month-pregnant woman who was stamped on and then repeatedly raped. A group of some 50 pro-Rohingya protesters gathered outside the gates of the ICJ for the hearing, carrying banners saying: 'Say yes to Rohingya, justice delayed is justice denied" and "Stop Burma military attack Rohingya." Thousands of people have also turned out in Suu Kyi's support in Myanmar in recent weeks since she announced that she would personally lead the southeast Asian nation's case at the court. Suu Kyi is set to speak in Myanmar's defence on Wednesday. She is expected to argue that Myanmar was conducting legitimate operations against Rohingya militants and that the ICJ has no jurisdiction in the case.

Myanmar's Suu Kyi told to 'stop the genocide' in United Nations court over Rohingya crisis

The Bangladeshi military has started erecting fences around camps housing hundreds of thousands of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmars-suu-kyi-told-to-stop-the-genocide-in-united-nations-court-over-rohingya-crisis-267445">Rohingya refugees</a> despite complaints from community leaders and rights groups.

An AFP correspondent on Tuesday saw troops in military fatigues erecting pillars for barbed-wire fences around one large camp at Balukhali in the southeastern border district Cox's Bazar.

Bangladesh's refugee commissioner Mahhbub Alam Talukder confirmed to AFP that construction had begun but declined to comment further.

Army chief General Aziz Ahmed said late last month that army engineers had begun erecting the pillars and that the military has "placed orders" for barbed wire.

The camps house nearly a million members of the mostly Muslim Rohingya minority, around 750,000 of whom fled a military offensive in neighbouring Myanmar in August 2017.

Nobel peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi was due to defend Myanmar at the International Court of Justice in The Hague on Tuesday against charges of genocide.

Frustration has been growing in Bangladesh about hosting the refugees, particularly since the latest attempt to repatriate them to Myanmar failed in August.

The refugees are already forbidden to leave the camps although their sprawling nature means authorities have been unable to police all their movements.

New checkpoints on the main roads leading to the camps stop Rohingya and send them back to the settlements when they try to travel to other parts of Bangladesh.

It has imposed a blackout on high-speed internet in the Rohingya settlements, confiscated SIM cards and mobile phones used by the refugees, and&nbsp;filed cases against hundreds for illegally obtaining citizenship cards.

The move to construct barbed-wire fences has been condemned by Rohingya leaders who said they would create a "panic" among the Rohingya.

"It will restrict our movement. We have to walk a long distance to get food rations from the authorities," said Mohammad Hashim as he watched troops digging holes for pillars.&nbsp;

"The children won't be able to play any more."

'Big prison'

Earlier rights groups also <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/rohingya-refugees-demand-justice-at-myanmar-world-court-case-267184">condemned the move</a>, saying the fencing could transform the camps into "a big prison".

"The Bangladesh government shouldn't turn Rohingya refugee camps into open-air prisons. Barbed wire and guard towers should be reserved for criminals, not people who fled Myanmar to escape from mass atrocities," Brad Adams, Asia director at Human Rights Watch, said in a comment to AFP.&nbsp;

"The Bangladesh government now risks squandering the global goodwill it had earned when it allowed the Rohingya to cross into safety," he added.

UN experts have expressed serious concerns about these restrictions.

Local resident Abdul Gaffar, who lives near the Balukhali camp, also complained.

"The pillars erected for fencing were constructed on the locals' paddy field. Many locals&nbsp;living here&nbsp;will also be trapped inside fences," he told AFP.

The Bangladeshi military has started erecting fences around camps housing hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees despite complaints from community leaders and rights groups.

The Bangladeshi military has started erecting fences around camps housing hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees despite complaints from community leaders and rights groups. An AFP correspondent on Tuesday saw troops in military fatigues erecting pillars for barbed-wire fences around one large camp at Balukhali in the southeastern border district Cox's Bazar. Bangladesh's refugee commissioner Mahhbub Alam Talukder confirmed to AFP that construction had begun but declined to comment further. Army chief General Aziz Ahmed said late last month that army engineers had begun erecting the pillars and that the military has "placed orders" for barbed wire. The camps house nearly a million members of the mostly Muslim Rohingya minority, around 750,000 of whom fled a military offensive in neighbouring Myanmar in August 2017. Nobel peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi was due to defend Myanmar at the International Court of Justice in The Hague on Tuesday against charges of genocide. Frustration has been growing in Bangladesh about hosting the refugees, particularly since the latest attempt to repatriate them to Myanmar failed in August. The refugees are already forbidden to leave the camps although their sprawling nature means authorities have been unable to police all their movements. New checkpoints on the main roads leading to the camps stop Rohingya and send them back to the settlements when they try to travel to other parts of Bangladesh. It has imposed a blackout on high-speed internet in the Rohingya settlements, confiscated SIM cards and mobile phones used by the refugees, and filed cases against hundreds for illegally obtaining citizenship cards. The move to construct barbed-wire fences has been condemned by Rohingya leaders who said they would create a "panic" among the Rohingya. "It will restrict our movement. We have to walk a long distance to get food rations from the authorities," said Mohammad Hashim as he watched troops digging holes for pillars. "The children won't be able to play any more." 'Big prison' Earlier rights groups also condemned the move, saying the fencing could transform the camps into "a big prison". "The Bangladesh government shouldn't turn Rohingya refugee camps into open-air prisons. Barbed wire and guard towers should be reserved for criminals, not people who fled Myanmar to escape from mass atrocities," Brad Adams, Asia director at Human Rights Watch, said in a comment to AFP. "The Bangladesh government now risks squandering the global goodwill it had earned when it allowed the Rohingya to cross into safety," he added. UN experts have expressed serious concerns about these restrictions. Local resident Abdul Gaffar, who lives near the Balukhali camp, also complained. "The pillars erected for fencing were constructed on the locals' paddy field. Many locals living here will also be trapped inside fences," he told AFP.

Bangladesh begins fencing Rohingya camps

The US&nbsp;House of Representatives on Tuesday overwhelmingly approved a bill that would require the Trump administration to toughen its response to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-secrets-of-chinas-xinjiang-camps-leaked-to-foreign-media-264363">China's crackdown on its Muslim minority</a>, demanding sanctions on senior Chinese officials and export bans.

The Uighur Act of 2019 is a stronger version of a bill that angered Beijing when it passed the Senate in September. It calls on President Donald Trump to impose sanctions for the first time on a member of China's powerful politburo, even as he seeks a deal with Beijing to end a damaging trade war buffeting the global economy.

The bill, passed 407 to 1 in the House, requires the US&nbsp;president to condemn abuses against Muslims and call for the closure of mass detention camps in the northwestern region of Xinjiang.

It calls for sanctions against senior Chinese officials who it says are responsible and specifically names Xinjiang Communist Party Secretary Chen Quanguo, who, as a politburo member, is in the upper echelons of China's leadership.

China has consistently denied any mistreatment of Uighurs and says the camps are providing vocational training. It has warned of retaliation "in proportion" if Chen were targeted.

The revised bill still has to be approved by the Senate before being sent to Trump. The White House has yet to say whether Trump would sign or veto the bill, which contains a provision allowing the president to waive sanctions if he determines this to be in the national interest.

The White House and the Chinese embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The bill comes days after Trump angered Beijing by signing into law congressional legislation supporting anti-government protesters in Hong Kong.

China responded to that on Monday by saying US&nbsp;military ships and aircraft would not be allowed to visit Hong Kong, and announced sanctions against several US&nbsp;non-government organizations.

Analysts say China's reaction to the passage of the Uighur bill could be stronger, though some doubted it would go so far as imposing visa bans on the likes of Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who has called China's treatment of Uighurs "the stain of the century" and has been repeatedly denounced by Beijing.

On Tuesday, the editor-in-chief of China's Global Times newspaper said China might ban all US&nbsp;diplomatic passport holders from entering Xinjiang and that Beijing was also considering visa restrictions on US&nbsp;officials and lawmakers with "odious performance" on the Xinjiang issue.

Watch: The chilling story of Uighurs in China

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-chilling-story-of-uighurs-in-china-263016/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Modern-day concentration camps"

Republican Congressman Chris Smith called China's actions in "modern-day concentration camps" in Xinjiang "audaciously repressive," involving "mass internment of millions on a scale not seen since the Holocaust."

"We cannot be silent. We must demand an end to these barbaric practices," Smith said, adding that Chinese officials must be held accountable for "crimes against humanity."

Democratic House Leader Nancy Pelosi called China's treatment of the Uighurs "an outrage to the collective conscience of the world."

"America is watching," she said.

Chris Johnson, a China expert at Washington's Center for Strategic and International Studies, said passage of the bill could lead to a further blurring of lines between the trade issue and the broader deteriorating Sino-US&nbsp;relationship, which China in the past has tended to keep separate.

"I think there's a sort of piling on factor here that the Chinese are concerned about," he said.

Trump said on Monday the Hong Kong legislation did not make trade negotiations with China easier, but he still believed Beijing wanted a deal.

However, on Tuesday, he said an agreement might have to wait until after the US&nbsp;presidential election in November 2020.

Johnson said he did not think passage of the Uighur act would cause the delay, but added: "It would be another dousing of kindling with fuel."

The House bill requires the president to submit to Congress within 120 days a list of officials responsible for the abuses and to impose sanctions on them under the Global Magnitsky Act, which provides for visa bans and asset freezes.

Democratic lawmaker Brad Sherman said it was "long past the point when this should have been done," adding: "It should not be linked to ongoing negotiations on trade or any other issues."

The bill also requires the secretary of state to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-imposes-visa-restrictions-on-chinese-officials-demands-end-to-uighur-repression-254612">submit a report on abuses in Xinjiang</a>, to include assessments of the numbers held in re-education and forced labour camps. United Nations experts and activists say at least 1 million Uighurs and members of other largely Muslim minority groups have been detained in the camps.

It also effectively bans the export to China of items that can be used for surveillance of individuals, including facial and voice-recognition technology.

The US House of Representatives on Tuesday overwhelmingly approved a bill that would require the Trump administration to toughen its response to China's crackdown on its Muslim minority, demanding sanctions on senior Chinese officials and export bans.

The US House of Representatives on Tuesday overwhelmingly approved a bill that would require the Trump administration to toughen its response to China's crackdown on its Muslim minority, demanding sanctions on senior Chinese officials and export bans. The Uighur Act of 2019 is a stronger version of a bill that angered Beijing when it passed the Senate in September. It calls on President Donald Trump to impose sanctions for the first time on a member of China's powerful politburo, even as he seeks a deal with Beijing to end a damaging trade war buffeting the global economy. The bill, passed 407 to 1 in the House, requires the US president to condemn abuses against Muslims and call for the closure of mass detention camps in the northwestern region of Xinjiang. It calls for sanctions against senior Chinese officials who it says are responsible and specifically names Xinjiang Communist Party Secretary Chen Quanguo, who, as a politburo member, is in the upper echelons of China's leadership. China has consistently denied any mistreatment of Uighurs and says the camps are providing vocational training. It has warned of retaliation "in proportion" if Chen were targeted. The revised bill still has to be approved by the Senate before being sent to Trump. The White House has yet to say whether Trump would sign or veto the bill, which contains a provision allowing the president to waive sanctions if he determines this to be in the national interest. The White House and the Chinese embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The bill comes days after Trump angered Beijing by signing into law congressional legislation supporting anti-government protesters in Hong Kong. China responded to that on Monday by saying US military ships and aircraft would not be allowed to visit Hong Kong, and announced sanctions against several US non-government organizations. Analysts say China's reaction to the passage of the Uighur bill could be stronger, though some doubted it would go so far as imposing visa bans on the likes of Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who has called China's treatment of Uighurs "the stain of the century" and has been repeatedly denounced by Beijing. On Tuesday, the editor-in-chief of China's Global Times newspaper said China might ban all US diplomatic passport holders from entering Xinjiang and that Beijing was also considering visa restrictions on US officials and lawmakers with "odious performance" on the Xinjiang issue. Watch: The chilling story of Uighurs in China "Modern-day concentration camps" Republican Congressman Chris Smith called China's actions in "modern-day concentration camps" in Xinjiang "audaciously repressive," involving "mass internment of millions on a scale not seen since the Holocaust." "We cannot be silent. We must demand an end to these barbaric practices," Smith said, adding that Chinese officials must be held accountable for "crimes against humanity." Democratic House Leader Nancy Pelosi called China's treatment of the Uighurs "an outrage to the collective conscience of the world." "America is watching," she said. Chris Johnson, a China expert at Washington's Center for Strategic and International Studies, said passage of the bill could lead to a further blurring of lines between the trade issue and the broader deteriorating Sino-US relationship, which China in the past has tended to keep separate. "I think there's a sort of piling on factor here that the Chinese are concerned about," he said. Trump said on Monday the Hong Kong legislation did not make trade negotiations with China easier, but he still believed Beijing wanted a deal. However, on Tuesday, he said an agreement might have to wait until after the US presidential election in November 2020. Johnson said he did not think passage of the Uighur act would cause the delay, but added: "It would be another dousing of kindling with fuel." The House bill requires the president to submit to Congress within 120 days a list of officials responsible for the abuses and to impose sanctions on them under the Global Magnitsky Act, which provides for visa bans and asset freezes. Democratic lawmaker Brad Sherman said it was "long past the point when this should have been done," adding: "It should not be linked to ongoing negotiations on trade or any other issues." The bill also requires the secretary of state to submit a report on abuses in Xinjiang, to include assessments of the numbers held in re-education and forced labour camps. United Nations experts and activists say at least 1 million Uighurs and members of other largely Muslim minority groups have been detained in the camps. It also effectively bans the export to China of items that can be used for surveillance of individuals, including facial and voice-recognition technology.

US House approves Uighur bill demanding sanctions on senior Chinese officials

A trove of leaked Chinese government documents reveals details of its clampdown on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-denies-world-bank-cuts-related-to-uighur-rights-concerns-261605">Uighurs and other Muslims</a> in the country's western Xinjiang region under President Xi Jinping, the New York Times reported on Saturday.

United Nations experts and activists say at least 1 million Uighurs and members of other largely Muslim minority groups have been detained in camps in Xinjiang in a crackdown that has drawn condemnation from the United States and other countries.

The documents, which the newspaper said were leaked by "a member of the Chinese political establishment," show how Xi gave a series of internal speeches to officials during and after a 2014 visit to Xinjiang following a stabbing attack by Uighur militants at a train station that killed 31 people.

The report said Xi called for an "all-out 'struggle against terrorism, infiltration, and separatism' using the 'organs of dictatorship,' and showing 'absolutely no mercy'."

The documents show that the Chinese leadership's fears were heightened by terrorist attacks in other countries and the US&nbsp;drawdown of troops from Afghanistan.

It is unclear how the documents totalling 403 pages were gathered and selected, the newspaper said.

Beijing denies any mistreatment of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-bank-ends-funding-to-controversial-uighur-schools-in-china-261467">Uighurs or others in Xinjiang</a>, saying it is providing vocational training to help stamp out Islamic extremism and separatism and teach new skills.

China's Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to a faxed request for comment from Reuters on Sunday.

The documents show how officials were given talking points to explain to returning university students that their family members had been taken away for training, and how the program faced pushback from some local officials, the report said.

They also show that the internment camps expanded quickly after Chen Quanguo was appointed in August 2016 as the party boss of the region, the report said. Chen had taken a tough line to quell restiveness against Communist Party rule during his previous posting in Tibet.

A trove of leaked Chinese government documents reveals details of its clampdown on Uighurs and other Muslims in the country's western Xinjiang region under President Xi Jinping, the New York Times reported on Saturday.

A trove of leaked Chinese government documents reveals details of its clampdown on Uighurs and other Muslims in the country's western Xinjiang region under President Xi Jinping, the New York Times reported on Saturday. United Nations experts and activists say at least 1 million Uighurs and members of other largely Muslim minority groups have been detained in camps in Xinjiang in a crackdown that has drawn condemnation from the United States and other countries. The documents, which the newspaper said were leaked by "a member of the Chinese political establishment," show how Xi gave a series of internal speeches to officials during and after a 2014 visit to Xinjiang following a stabbing attack by Uighur militants at a train station that killed 31 people. The report said Xi called for an "all-out 'struggle against terrorism, infiltration, and separatism' using the 'organs of dictatorship,' and showing 'absolutely no mercy'." The documents show that the Chinese leadership's fears were heightened by terrorist attacks in other countries and the US drawdown of troops from Afghanistan. It is unclear how the documents totalling 403 pages were gathered and selected, the newspaper said. Beijing denies any mistreatment of the Uighurs or others in Xinjiang, saying it is providing vocational training to help stamp out Islamic extremism and separatism and teach new skills. China's Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to a faxed request for comment from Reuters on Sunday. The documents show how officials were given talking points to explain to returning university students that their family members had been taken away for training, and how the program faced pushback from some local officials, the report said. They also show that the internment camps expanded quickly after Chen Quanguo was appointed in August 2016 as the party boss of the region, the report said. Chen had taken a tough line to quell restiveness against Communist Party rule during his previous posting in Tibet.

Leaked Chinese government documents show details of Xinjiang clampdown: Report

The World Bank announced Monday it was cutting back a vocational education project in China's Xinjiang province, even though an internal investigation did not back up claims the scheme was linked to the mistreatment of minority <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-members-split-on-chinas-uighur-rights-record-258772">Muslim Uighurs</a>.

The World Bank launched a review of the program in late August after Foreign Policy magazine reported that a school that benefited from a tranche of the $50 million loan to China bought "barbed wire, gas launchers, and body armour."&nbsp;

The Washington-based development lender said its review "did not substantiate the allegations."

Nonetheless, as a precautionary measure, it said it was cutting funding to the scheme's "partner schools" throughout Xinjiang province that were the target of the allegations.

"In light of the risks associated with the partner schools, which are widely dispersed and difficult to monitor, the scope and footprint of the project is being reduced," the World Bank said in a statement.

"Specifically, the project component that involves the partner schools in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-imposes-visa-restrictions-on-chinese-officials-demands-end-to-uighur-repression-254612">Xinjiang</a> is being closed."

Watch: Medical experiments, torture, and rapes - how China treats Uighurs

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-medical-experiments-torture-rapes-how-china-treats-uighurs-260629/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

World Bank funding to the five schools directly supported by the project will continue, under "enhanced supervision."

China's treatment of the Uighurs, a mostly Muslim, Turkic-speaking minority concentrated in the tightly-controlled northwestern Xinjiang region, has come under growing scrutiny.

Rights groups and experts say more than one million mostly Muslim ethnic minorities have been interned in re-education camps in Xinjiang, where they are being tortured and forced to renounce their religion.

China initially denied the existence of the camps before admitting to running what it called "vocational education centers," which it presented as necessary to combat religious extremism and boost employment.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/a-day-in-the-life-of-uighurs-251734">In pics: A day in the life of China's persecuted Uighur community</a>

The World Bank announced Monday it was cutting back a vocational education project in China's Xinjiang province, even though an internal investigation did not back up claims the scheme was linked to the mistreatment of minority Muslim Uighurs.

The World Bank announced Monday it was cutting back a vocational education project in China's Xinjiang province, even though an internal investigation did not back up claims the scheme was linked to the mistreatment of minority Muslim Uighurs. The World Bank launched a review of the program in late August after Foreign Policy magazine reported that a school that benefited from a tranche of the $50 million loan to China bought "barbed wire, gas launchers, and body armour." The Washington-based development lender said its review "did not substantiate the allegations." Nonetheless, as a precautionary measure, it said it was cutting funding to the scheme's "partner schools" throughout Xinjiang province that were the target of the allegations. "In light of the risks associated with the partner schools, which are widely dispersed and difficult to monitor, the scope and footprint of the project is being reduced," the World Bank said in a statement. "Specifically, the project component that involves the partner schools in Xinjiang is being closed." Watch: Medical experiments, torture, and rapes - how China treats Uighurs World Bank funding to the five schools directly supported by the project will continue, under "enhanced supervision." China's treatment of the Uighurs, a mostly Muslim, Turkic-speaking minority concentrated in the tightly-controlled northwestern Xinjiang region, has come under growing scrutiny. Rights groups and experts say more than one million mostly Muslim ethnic minorities have been interned in re-education camps in Xinjiang, where they are being tortured and forced to renounce their religion. China initially denied the existence of the camps before admitting to running what it called "vocational education centers," which it presented as necessary to combat religious extremism and boost employment. In pics: A day in the life of China's persecuted Uighur community

World Bank scales back funding to controversial Uighur schools in China

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-nations-chief-urges-myanmar-to-ensure-safe-return-of-rohingya-259659">Myanmar faced accusations</a> of genocide in a landmark lawsuit filed by Gambia at the U.N.'s top court on Monday over the Southeast Asian nation's treatment of Rohingya Muslims, Gambia's government said.

Gambia said it was acting on behalf of the 57-nation Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in bringing the case against Myanmar before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague.

The lawsuit accuses mainly Buddhist Myanmar of breaching the 1948 U.N. Genocide Convention through a brutal military campaign targeting the Rohingya minority in Rakhine state.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-bangladesh-feels-isi-could-recruit-from-rohingya-camps-246739/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The 2017 crackdown forced 740,000 Rohingya to flee over the border into sprawling camps in Bangladesh, in violence that United Nations investigators say amounts to "genocide".

"The Gambia is taking this action to seek justice and accountability for the genocide being committed by Myanmar against the Rohingya," Justice Minister Abubacarr Tambadou said in a statement.

The court is expected to hold its first hearings in December on Gambia's request for urgent interim measures "to protect the Rohingya against further harm", Gambia's lawyers Foley Hoag said in a statement, describing the case as "historic".

Human Rights Watch hailed the move by the tiny west African state, saying it was the "first judicial scrutiny" of Myanmar's alleged crimes against the Rohingya.

Param-Preet Singh, associate international justice director at HRW, said the court's "prompt adoption of provisional measures could help stop the worst ongoing abuses" in Myanmar.

The lawsuit asks the ICJ to "order Myanmar to cease and desist from its genocidal acts, to punish the perpetrators, and to provide reparations for the Rohingya victims," Gambia's justice ministry said.

It said Myanmar had failed to meet its obligations to prevent and to punish genocide, accusing it of "wanton acts of violence and malicious degradation with the specific intent of state actors to destroy the Rohingya as a group".

'Stepped up'

Mainly-Muslim Gambia said it had "stepped up" to file the case on behalf of the rest of the OIC. Tambadou is a former genocide prosecutor at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and has visited <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nearly-400-rohingya-return-to-myanmar-from-bangladesh-embassy-says-259097">Rohingya camps in Bangladesh</a>.

Other legal attempts to bring Myanmar to justice over allegations of crimes against the Rohingya have so far stalled.

The prosecutor for the International Criminal Court,&nbsp;a separate tribunal from the ICJ that investigates war crimes,&nbsp;launched a preliminary investigation into Myanmar in 2018 but no charges have been filed yet.

U.N. investigators have also called on the U.N. Security Council to refer Myanmar to the Hague-based ICC or to set up a tribunal, like for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda, but again no action has yet been taken.

The ICJ was set up in 1946 after World War II to adjudicate in disputes between U.N. member states.

It normally deals with issues of international law such as border disputes, but sometimes rules on alleged breaches of U.N. conventions such as those on terrorism or genocide.

The ICJ previously dealt with a genocide case when Bosnia brought a lawsuit against Serbia over the conflict in the former Yugoslavia in the 1990s.

That case ended in 2007 with Serbia being held to have failed to prevent genocide during the 1995 Srebrenica massacre and of failing to cooperate with war crimes tribunals.

Myanmar faced accusations of genocide in a landmark lawsuit filed by Gambia at the U.N.'s top court on Monday over the Southeast Asian nation's treatment of Rohingya Muslims, Gambia's government said.

Myanmar faced accusations of genocide in a landmark lawsuit filed by Gambia at the U.N.'s top court on Monday over the Southeast Asian nation's treatment of Rohingya Muslims, Gambia's government said. Gambia said it was acting on behalf of the 57-nation Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in bringing the case against Myanmar before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague. The lawsuit accuses mainly Buddhist Myanmar of breaching the 1948 U.N. Genocide Convention through a brutal military campaign targeting the Rohingya minority in Rakhine state. Watch: The 2017 crackdown forced 740,000 Rohingya to flee over the border into sprawling camps in Bangladesh, in violence that United Nations investigators say amounts to "genocide". "The Gambia is taking this action to seek justice and accountability for the genocide being committed by Myanmar against the Rohingya," Justice Minister Abubacarr Tambadou said in a statement. The court is expected to hold its first hearings in December on Gambia's request for urgent interim measures "to protect the Rohingya against further harm", Gambia's lawyers Foley Hoag said in a statement, describing the case as "historic". Human Rights Watch hailed the move by the tiny west African state, saying it was the "first judicial scrutiny" of Myanmar's alleged crimes against the Rohingya. Param-Preet Singh, associate international justice director at HRW, said the court's "prompt adoption of provisional measures could help stop the worst ongoing abuses" in Myanmar. The lawsuit asks the ICJ to "order Myanmar to cease and desist from its genocidal acts, to punish the perpetrators, and to provide reparations for the Rohingya victims," Gambia's justice ministry said. It said Myanmar had failed to meet its obligations to prevent and to punish genocide, accusing it of "wanton acts of violence and malicious degradation with the specific intent of state actors to destroy the Rohingya as a group". 'Stepped up' Mainly-Muslim Gambia said it had "stepped up" to file the case on behalf of the rest of the OIC. Tambadou is a former genocide prosecutor at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and has visited Rohingya camps in Bangladesh. Other legal attempts to bring Myanmar to justice over allegations of crimes against the Rohingya have so far stalled. The prosecutor for the International Criminal Court, a separate tribunal from the ICJ that investigates war crimes, launched a preliminary investigation into Myanmar in 2018 but no charges have been filed yet. U.N. investigators have also called on the U.N. Security Council to refer Myanmar to the Hague-based ICC or to set up a tribunal, like for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda, but again no action has yet been taken. The ICJ was set up in 1946 after World War II to adjudicate in disputes between U.N. member states. It normally deals with issues of international law such as border disputes, but sometimes rules on alleged breaches of U.N. conventions such as those on terrorism or genocide. The ICJ previously dealt with a genocide case when Bosnia brought a lawsuit against Serbia over the conflict in the former Yugoslavia in the 1990s. That case ended in 2007 with Serbia being held to have failed to prevent genocide during the 1995 Srebrenica massacre and of failing to cooperate with war crimes tribunals.

Myanmar faces genocide lawsuit at International Court of Justice over treatment of Rohingya Muslims

Myanmar faced accusations of genocide in a lawsuit filed by Gambia at the UN's top court on Monday over the southeast Asian nation's treatment of Rohingya Muslims, Gambia's government said.

Gambia said it was acting on behalf of the 57-nation Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in bringing the case against Myanmar before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague.

It accuses Myanmar of breaching the U.N. Genocide Convention through a bloody military campaign which has driven hundreds of thousands of people from the Rohingya minority into neighbouring Bangladesh.

In 2017 a brutal military crackdown forced 740,000 Rohingya to flee over the border into sprawling camps in Bangladesh in violence that U.N. investigators say amounts to "genocide".

The lawsuit asks the ICJ to "order Myanmar to cease and desist from its genocidal acts, to punish the perpetrators, and to provide reparations for the Rohingya victims," Gambia's justice ministry said.

It said Myanmar had failed to meet its obligations to prevent and to punish genocide, accusing it of "wanton acts of violence and malicious degradation with the specific intent of state actors to destroy the Rohingya as a group".

Mainly-Muslim Gambia said it had "stepped up" to file the case on behalf of the rest of the OIC. Its justice minister Abubacarr Tambadou is a former genocide prosecutor at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and has visited Rohingya camps in Bangladesh.

Gambia also asked the ICJ to make an urgent interim order while the case is underway "to protect the Rohingya against further harm... by ordering Myanmar to stop all of its genocidal conduct immediately."

There was no immediate reaction from Myanmar or the International Court of Justice.

The ICJ previously dealt with a genocide case when Bosnia brought a lawsuit against Serbia over the conflict in the former Yugoslavia in the 1990s.

That case ended in 2007 with Serbia being held to have failed to prevent genocide.

Other legal attempts to bring Myanmar to justice over allegations of crimes against the Rohingya have so far stalled.

The prosecutor for the International Criminal Court,&nbsp;a separate tribunal from the ICJ that investigates war crimes,&nbsp;launched a preliminary investigation into Myanmar in 2018 but no charges have been filed yet.

UN investigators have also called on the U.N. Security Council to refer Myanmar to the Hague-based ICC or to set up a tribunal, like for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda, but again no action has yet been taken.

Myanmar faced accusations of genocide in a lawsuit filed by Gambia at the UN's top court on Monday over the southeast Asian nation's treatment of Rohingya Muslims, Gambia's government said.

Myanmar faced accusations of genocide in a lawsuit filed by Gambia at the UN's top court on Monday over the southeast Asian nation's treatment of Rohingya Muslims, Gambia's government said. Gambia said it was acting on behalf of the 57-nation Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in bringing the case against Myanmar before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague. It accuses Myanmar of breaching the U.N. Genocide Convention through a bloody military campaign which has driven hundreds of thousands of people from the Rohingya minority into neighbouring Bangladesh. In 2017 a brutal military crackdown forced 740,000 Rohingya to flee over the border into sprawling camps in Bangladesh in violence that U.N. investigators say amounts to "genocide". The lawsuit asks the ICJ to "order Myanmar to cease and desist from its genocidal acts, to punish the perpetrators, and to provide reparations for the Rohingya victims," Gambia's justice ministry said. It said Myanmar had failed to meet its obligations to prevent and to punish genocide, accusing it of "wanton acts of violence and malicious degradation with the specific intent of state actors to destroy the Rohingya as a group". Mainly-Muslim Gambia said it had "stepped up" to file the case on behalf of the rest of the OIC. Its justice minister Abubacarr Tambadou is a former genocide prosecutor at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and has visited Rohingya camps in Bangladesh. Gambia also asked the ICJ to make an urgent interim order while the case is underway "to protect the Rohingya against further harm... by ordering Myanmar to stop all of its genocidal conduct immediately." There was no immediate reaction from Myanmar or the International Court of Justice. The ICJ previously dealt with a genocide case when Bosnia brought a lawsuit against Serbia over the conflict in the former Yugoslavia in the 1990s. That case ended in 2007 with Serbia being held to have failed to prevent genocide. Other legal attempts to bring Myanmar to justice over allegations of crimes against the Rohingya have so far stalled. The prosecutor for the International Criminal Court, a separate tribunal from the ICJ that investigates war crimes, launched a preliminary investigation into Myanmar in 2018 but no charges have been filed yet. UN investigators have also called on the U.N. Security Council to refer Myanmar to the Hague-based ICC or to set up a tribunal, like for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda, but again no action has yet been taken.

Myanmar faces genocide lawsuit at top United Nations court

Know about the subtext behind Imran Khan's Niazi

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Calling Pakistan a "breeding ground" for terrorism, Secretary-General of Baloch Human Rights Council, Samad Baloch, on Wednesday said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-approaches-international-community-over-kashmir-but-commits-genocide-in-balochistan-baloch-leader-248933">Pakistan is committing "systematic genocide"</a> of the minorities.

He also termed Islamabad a "rogue state" with no law and justice.

"We have suffered a lot. Our socio-cultural, economic rights have been denied. Balochistan has been plundered, they have looted our resources. Balochistan is rich in minerals and natural resources, yet the people suffer," Baloch told ANI.

"Pakistan is a breeding ground for terrorism. Pakistan is not only committing systematic genocide of Baloch people but also involved in the genocide of our Sindhi brothers, Pashtuns. It's also a threat to the world because it is a rogue state, there is no law, no justice," he added.

Along with Samad, many other activists have also called out Islamabad for committing Human Rights violations against the religious minorities.

This comes at the time when the Pakistan government has submitted a dossier in UNHRC over Kashmir.

At the UNHRC session, Foreign Minister<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-altering-status-of-kashmir-is-illegal-says-pakistan-foreign-minister-in-unhrc-248833"> Shah Mahmood Qureshi</a> presented a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-pakistan-rakes-up-kashmir-issue-at-unhrc-india-hits-back-248819">false narrative on Kashmir</a> maintained by his country following the Indian government's historic move to abrogate Article 370. However, Pakistan has been strongly reprimanded by Indian delegation.

Interestingly, while Qureshi was addressing the session, protests were held outside the UN Headquarters against the dire situation of Human Rights in Pakistan.

On Tuesday, the Baloch Human Rights Council organised a briefing on 'The Humanitarian Crisis in Balochistan' at a special tent at Broken Chair in front of the UN headquarters.

Before that, a protest was organised by the World Sindhi Congress (WCS) at a time when Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi was speaking at the 42nd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council.

Pakistan has been condemned internationally for cracking down on the minorities living in their countries.

Islamabad has also reportedly been discriminating against its religious minorities which is manifested in various forms of targeted violence, mass murders, extrajudicial killings, abduction, rapes, forced conversion to Islam, etc., making the Pakistani Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, Ahmadiyyas, and Shias one of the most persecuted minorities in the region.

Last month, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada had raised the issue of suppression of religious freedom by China and Pakistan and slammed the two Asian nations for "persecuting and repressing" their religious minorities.

During the meet on Safety of Religious Minorities, the US, UK, and Canada expressed concerns over the increasing, widespread and undue restrictions on religious freedom in the two countries. They also highlighted the discrimination suffered by the Uyghur community in China and of Christians, Ahmadis, Hindus and other minorities in Pakistan.

Calling Pakistan a "breeding ground" for terrorism, Secretary-General of Baloch Human Rights Council, Samad Baloch, on Wednesday said Pakistan is committing "systematic genocide" of the minorities.

Calling Pakistan a "breeding ground" for terrorism, Secretary-General of Baloch Human Rights Council, Samad Baloch, on Wednesday said Pakistan is committing "systematic genocide" of the minorities. He also termed Islamabad a "rogue state" with no law and justice. "We have suffered a lot. Our socio-cultural, economic rights have been denied. Balochistan has been plundered, they have looted our resources. Balochistan is rich in minerals and natural resources, yet the people suffer," Baloch told ANI. "Pakistan is a breeding ground for terrorism. Pakistan is not only committing systematic genocide of Baloch people but also involved in the genocide of our Sindhi brothers, Pashtuns. It's also a threat to the world because it is a rogue state, there is no law, no justice," he added. Along with Samad, many other activists have also called out Islamabad for committing Human Rights violations against the religious minorities. This comes at the time when the Pakistan government has submitted a dossier in UNHRC over Kashmir. At the UNHRC session, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi presented a false narrative on Kashmir maintained by his country following the Indian government's historic move to abrogate Article 370. However, Pakistan has been strongly reprimanded by Indian delegation. Interestingly, while Qureshi was addressing the session, protests were held outside the UN Headquarters against the dire situation of Human Rights in Pakistan. On Tuesday, the Baloch Human Rights Council organised a briefing on 'The Humanitarian Crisis in Balochistan' at a special tent at Broken Chair in front of the UN headquarters. Before that, a protest was organised by the World Sindhi Congress (WCS) at a time when Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi was speaking at the 42nd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council. Pakistan has been condemned internationally for cracking down on the minorities living in their countries. Islamabad has also reportedly been discriminating against its religious minorities which is manifested in various forms of targeted violence, mass murders, extrajudicial killings, abduction, rapes, forced conversion to Islam, etc., making the Pakistani Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, Ahmadiyyas, and Shias one of the most persecuted minorities in the region. Last month, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada had raised the issue of suppression of religious freedom by China and Pakistan and slammed the two Asian nations for "persecuting and repressing" their religious minorities. During the meet on Safety of Religious Minorities, the US, UK, and Canada expressed concerns over the increasing, widespread and undue restrictions on religious freedom in the two countries. They also highlighted the discrimination suffered by the Uyghur community in China and of Christians, Ahmadis, Hindus and other minorities in Pakistan.

Pakistan is committing 'systematic genocide' of minorities: Baloch HRC Secretary

More than 60 people were found stranded near a boat in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-calls-to-end-internet-blackout-in-myanmars-two-states-231612">Myanmar's Rakhine state</a>, an official said Monday, as a trafficking route for persecuted <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-police-kill-three-suspected-rohingya-traffickers-rescue-15-refugees-230535">Rohingya Muslims</a>, appears open for business despite a crackdown.

Each year thousands of Rohingya and stateless Bangladeshis try to reach Malaysia or Indonesia by sea.

But boatloads commonly wash up on the shores of Myanmar or Thailand, especially in the treacherous conditions brought by the monsoon season.

Sixty-three "Muslims" were found early Sunday and taken to a nearby police outpost, district administrator Soe Aung told AFP from northern Rakhine's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/systemic-failure-of-un-ahead-of-myanmar-military-crackdown-review-228223">Maungdaw</a> township.

"We found four men on the boat and the rest nearby. In total there were 63 people," he said by phone, adding it was not yet clear if they were Bangladeshi or Rohingya.

Myanmar officials do not recognise the Rohingya as an ethnic group and refer to them as Bengalis or Muslims from Rakhine state.

Authorities tried to close down the multi-million dollar people smuggling route in 2015 after the discovery of mass graves in southern Thailand.

But many still spend their life savings to embark on the risky sea voyages.

Rohingya remaining in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-stops-84-rohingyas-from-perilous-sea-journey-219586">Myanmar also fall prey to human smugglers</a>.

Many have been confined to camps for years, are denied citizenship and lack access to work, healthcare, and schools.

Most people escaping by sea attempt the journey before March, but some are also ready to risk rougher waters.

A Thai boat captain was charged last month for smuggling a group of 65 Rohingya.

On Saturday almost two-dozen Rohingya Muslims were among a larger group of migrants found hiding in a Thai jungle after being abandoned by traffickers, police said.

Myanmar's army drove 740,000 of the stateless minority into Bangladesh in a bloody crackdown in 2017, where they joined some 300,000 more from previous expulsions.

United Nations investigators have called for the prosecution of top generals for "genocide".&nbsp;

Myanmar says it was defending itself against Rohingya militants. 
&nbsp;

More than 60 people were found stranded near a boat in Myanmar's Rakhine state, an official said Monday, as a trafficking route for persecuted Rohingya Muslims, appears open for business despite a crackdown.

More than 60 people were found stranded near a boat in Myanmar's Rakhine state, an official said Monday, as a trafficking route for persecuted Rohingya Muslims, appears open for business despite a crackdown. Each year thousands of Rohingya and stateless Bangladeshis try to reach Malaysia or Indonesia by sea. But boatloads commonly wash up on the shores of Myanmar or Thailand, especially in the treacherous conditions brought by the monsoon season. Sixty-three "Muslims" were found early Sunday and taken to a nearby police outpost, district administrator Soe Aung told AFP from northern Rakhine's Maungdaw township. "We found four men on the boat and the rest nearby. In total there were 63 people," he said by phone, adding it was not yet clear if they were Bangladeshi or Rohingya. Myanmar officials do not recognise the Rohingya as an ethnic group and refer to them as Bengalis or Muslims from Rakhine state. Authorities tried to close down the multi-million dollar people smuggling route in 2015 after the discovery of mass graves in southern Thailand. But many still spend their life savings to embark on the risky sea voyages. Rohingya remaining in Myanmar also fall prey to human smugglers. Many have been confined to camps for years, are denied citizenship and lack access to work, healthcare, and schools. Most people escaping by sea attempt the journey before March, but some are also ready to risk rougher waters. A Thai boat captain was charged last month for smuggling a group of 65 Rohingya. On Saturday almost two-dozen Rohingya Muslims were among a larger group of migrants found hiding in a Thai jungle after being abandoned by traffickers, police said. Myanmar's army drove 740,000 of the stateless minority into Bangladesh in a bloody crackdown in 2017, where they joined some 300,000 more from previous expulsions. United Nations investigators have called for the prosecution of top generals for "genocide". Myanmar says it was defending itself against Rohingya militants.

Dozens of people found stranded in Myanmar's Rakhine: Official

Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain appealed to the Indian citizens to help <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/mohajirs-welcome-indias-statement-against-pak-in-un-human-rights-session-nadeem-nusrat-35323">Mohajirs in Pakistan</a>.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-gravitas-minorities-in-pakistan-speak-out-corner-pak-army-at-home--136850">WION Gravitas: Minorities in Pakistan speak out; Corner Pak army at home</a>

The Mohajirs are Urdu-speaking people who had migrated to Pakistan after the Partition in 1947.

In his message to Hindus, Sikhs and Christians of India, Hussain said that Mohajirs were Indian citizens.

"Pakistan was not founded by Mohajirs of Pakistan but they were their forefathers who did it. Mohajirs are facing genocide in Pakistan since 1947 and their children are a victim of sheer bias and discretion at the hands of the military establishment," he asserted.

He said that Pakistan is being sold to China and Pakistani military would stand the ultimate beneficiary instead.

The MQM founding leader also called upon the Indian parliamentarians to step forward for the help of Mohajirs in the name of humanity.

"India and Mohajirs are of same origins and hence the Indian parliamentarians should recognise them as their own family," said Hussain.

He expressed hope that the Indian parliamentarians would ultimately raise their voice for the Mohajirs.

"The Indian parliamentarians should also raise their voice at the UN for the oppressed communities in Pakistan like Pashtuns, Balochs and religious minorities like Shiite, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/hindu-temple-vandalised-in-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-orders-decisive-action-195710">Hindu</a>, Ahmadi, Parsi and others," he added.

Hussain asserted that Mohajirs had been duped in the garb of Islam, adding they chose to migrate to Pakistan while leaving their homes and graves of their forefathers, their culture and traditions behind in India.

He accused the Pakistani military of treating the Mohajirs like "animals", saying that the military "crossed all limits of cruelty."

Dubbing the Partition as a "vast blunder", the MQM chief asserted that the break-up divided the Mohajirs of both India and Pakistan.

Hussain urged the Mohajirs in Pakistan and across the globe that they should approach their relatives in India and inform them of the "devastating situation" they are passing through in Pakistan.&nbsp;

Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain appealed to the Indian citizens to help Mohajirs in Pakistan. WION Gravitas: Minorities in Pakistan speak out; Corner Pak army at home The Mohajirs are Urdu-speaking people who had migrated to Pakistan after the Partition in 1947.

Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain appealed to the Indian citizens to help Mohajirs in Pakistan. WION Gravitas: Minorities in Pakistan speak out; Corner Pak army at home The Mohajirs are Urdu-speaking people who had migrated to Pakistan after the Partition in 1947. In his message to Hindus, Sikhs and Christians of India, Hussain said that Mohajirs were Indian citizens. "Pakistan was not founded by Mohajirs of Pakistan but they were their forefathers who did it. Mohajirs are facing genocide in Pakistan since 1947 and their children are a victim of sheer bias and discretion at the hands of the military establishment," he asserted. He said that Pakistan is being sold to China and Pakistani military would stand the ultimate beneficiary instead. The MQM founding leader also called upon the Indian parliamentarians to step forward for the help of Mohajirs in the name of humanity. "India and Mohajirs are of same origins and hence the Indian parliamentarians should recognise them as their own family," said Hussain. He expressed hope that the Indian parliamentarians would ultimately raise their voice for the Mohajirs. "The Indian parliamentarians should also raise their voice at the UN for the oppressed communities in Pakistan like Pashtuns, Balochs and religious minorities like Shiite, Hindu, Ahmadi, Parsi and others," he added. Hussain asserted that Mohajirs had been duped in the garb of Islam, adding they chose to migrate to Pakistan while leaving their homes and graves of their forefathers, their culture and traditions behind in India. He accused the Pakistani military of treating the Mohajirs like "animals", saying that the military "crossed all limits of cruelty." Dubbing the Partition as a "vast blunder", the MQM chief asserted that the break-up divided the Mohajirs of both India and Pakistan. Hussain urged the Mohajirs in Pakistan and across the globe that they should approach their relatives in India and inform them of the "devastating situation" they are passing through in Pakistan.

MQM chief Altaf Hussain urges India to help Mohajirs in Pakistan

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