UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has said the International Criminal Court (ICC) has recognized its capacity to deal with the Rohingya issue to investigate widespread allegations that Myanmar forces have driven Rohingyas from their homes.
"As far as I understand, the ICC has recognized its capacity to deal with the issue. So, I think that this is already on course," he said.
The UN chief said there was an initiative already by Bangladesh in relation to the ICC. "So, the question is already on the table."
The UN chief made the remarks at a press conference at United Nations headquarters on Thursday when a questioner wanted to know whether UN Security Council should refer the situation in Myanmar to the ICC.
On Myanmar’s State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi's remarks last week about the Reuters reporters, Guterres said he believes that it is not acceptable to have the journalists in jail for what they were doing.
"It is my deep belief that it should not happen, and I hope that the government [Myanmar] will be able to provide pardon to release them as quickly as possible," said the UN chief.
The recent ICC decision opens up the possibility of crimes against the Rohingya people being prosecuted at the Hague-based court, even though Myanmar is not a member of the court.
The court said in a statement that Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda must take the jurisdiction ruling into the account "as she continues with her preliminary examination concerning the crimes allegedly committed against the Rohingya people."
The UN chief will launch a new strategy called "Youth2030" on Monday as well as an initiative named "Generation Unlimited", both designed to help young people secure quality education and decent jobs, and contribute to preventing radicalization.
Guterres, on the same day, will launch his strategy for financing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
A surge in investment for the Sustainable Development Goals is needed, as well as a systemic change in the way the world does business, and a clampdown on illicit capital flows such as money laundering and tax evasion, he said.
