Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, 26 November 2024 – International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim Khan visited the AJAR’s Learning Centre in Kutupalong camp – a refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar – and had in-depth conversations with the Rohingya women.
This visit was part of the ICC’s ongoing investigation into alleged crimes committed against the Rohingya people in Rakhine State, Myanmar, during the violent events in 2016 and 2017, which forced over a million to flee to Bangladesh. This was the second time Khan had met with AJAR representatives and facilitators, following a previous meeting in July 2023.
“I wish to express my deep gratitude to the Rohingya community for the cooperation, confidence, and steadfast commitment to justice,” stated Khan. “Their testimonies and support are crucial to our investigation.”
At AJAR’s Learning Centre, Khan met with 15 Rohingya women participating in the programme. During the hour-long session, the women discussed updates on the ICC’s ongoing case regarding crimes against the Rohingya.They, in turn, shared their anxieties about the case and the ongoing conflict in Myanmar. They further described how AJAR’s programmes had helped them understand various justice mechanisms, at the same time as providing them with support to heal their trauma. The women emphasised the importance of justice, regardless of whether or not it led to repatriation. Finally they took the opportunity to showcase their artwork and quilting – a powerful medium to express their experiences and to advocate for justice.
Prosecutor Khan expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to reconnect with the women, and reassured them of his team’s continued commitment to justice. He praised their strength and resilience, recognising them as heroes representing their community, and requested everyone’s continued cooperation and patience. Khan also mentioned an upcoming announcement, but cautioned that this step, while significant, would not guarantee the Rohingya’s immediate return to Myanmar.
The women presented Prosecutor Khan with a piece of handmade embroidery symbolising their hope for justice. He accepted the gift with gratitude, promising to keep it as a reminder of their resilience and his own commitment to their cause.
AJAR and partners have been supporting Rohingya women survivors in the refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar since 2019, building solidarity to strengthen a multi-ethnic movement for justice. Using participatory documentation methodology, which combines psycho-social help with learning and empowerment, women participants learn, Burmese literacy, facilitation skills, basic principles of human rights, as well as healing and peer support techniques.