Rohingya Legal Forum

A Special Initiative of New Lines Institute, the Rohingya Legal Forum (RLF) brings together a global group of prominent jurists with a specialization on what has been described as a “slow-burning genocide” of the minority community in Myanmar. The RLF was formed to map out strategies, develop applications of international law, and offer advice on how to address the situation of the Rohingya people. The Forum coordinates and collaborates, where necessary, with international organizations such as the United Nations, International Court of Justice, International Criminal Court, Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and governments.

The Rohingya Legal Forum is Chaired by New Lines Institute’s Dr. Azeem Ibrahim and is convened by Professor John Packer, Director of the Human Rights Resource and Education Center at the University of Ottawa.

The forum is expected to convene as much as possible and exist for as long as it is useful. The group anticipates collaborating with international bodies like the United Nations, the International Court of Justice, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the International Criminal Court, and relevant governments and NGOs.

In addition, the forum anticipates producing periodic research that will be published as memos, special reports, essays, op-eds and journal articles. Publications will discuss research and develop innovative mechanisms for legal recourse for the Rohingya genocide.