Yunus, ICC discuss ways to file crimes against humanity case in July-Aug massacre

International Criminal Court (ICC) Chief Prosecutor Karim A.A. Khan has met Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and shared their "common vision" to strengthen Bangladesh-ICC cooperation and ensure accountability for crimes committed against the Rohingya.

They held the meeting on the sidelines of the UNGA on Thursday.

Discussions included the Rohingya genocide and ways and means to file a crime against humanity case against the perpetrators of the July-August massacre, according to chief adviser's Office.

Prof Yunus also asked him about the procedure to file a case of crimes against humanity at the ICC against the perpetrators of the massacre during the July-August uprising, which left at least 700 people dead and more than 20,000 injured.

Karim Khan said Bangladesh can definitely file a complaint at the Hague-based court, but he said there are rules to be followed for filing a crimes against humanity case at the ICC.

Khan appreciated the chief adviser’s three points regarding the Rohingya crisis.

During the meeting Karim Khan apprised Prof Yunus of the latest developments on the investigations into the Rohingya deportation launched by the ICC in 2019. He said he would visit Bangladesh by the end of the year.

He praised Prof Yunus's three-point proposals to bring a new momentum to resolve the Rohingya crisis.

The Chief Adviser made the proposal at a meeting at the UN Headquarters on Wednesday when the ICC chief prosecutor also spoke.

The proposals included an urgent conference hosted by the UN chief to review the overall situation and suggest way outs, energised joint response plan for the Rohingya humanitarian crisis and serious international efforts to support justice and accountability to address the genocidal crimes committed in Rakhine in 2017.

"The three points are perfect," Karim Khan said.

Prof Yunus also met with Dick Schoof, Prime Minister of the Netherlands, seeking Dutch support for agricultural transformation, water management, tackling corruption, and implementing reforms.

The chief adviser also had a meeting with United States Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin.