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Asean lawmakers seek ICC trial of crimes against Rohingyas
Jakarta, Aug 24 (IANS) A group of parliamentarians from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) on Friday urged the International Criminal Court (ICC) to try those responsible for alleged crimes against the ethnic Rohingya community in Myanmar.
A statement by the Asean Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR), signed by at least 130 of its members, called on the UN Security Council to begin the process, given that the ICC does not have jurisdiction in Myanmar and would need an initiative by the UN, Efe news reported.
“One year has passed since the Myanmar military launched its murderous operation in Rakhine state, yet we are no closer to seeing those responsible brought to justice,” said APHR Chairperson Charles Santiago, a member of the Malaysian Parliament.
“As Myanmar is clearly both unwilling and unable to investigate itself, we are now at a stage where the international community must step in to ensure accountability,” he added.
Saturday marks one year since Myanmar’s security forces cracked down after Rohingya rebels attacked government outposts in Rakhine state, triggering an exodus of at least 700,000 members of the mostly-Muslim community to neighbouring Bangladesh.
The UN and human rights organizations reported numerous times that there was a clear evidence of abuse, with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights describing it as “ethnic cleansing”, bearing all the “hallmarks of genocide”.
Santiago said the security forces “killed thousands of Rohingyas, burned their villages to the ground and committed widespread sexual violence”.
UN Special Envoy to Myanmar, Christine Schraner Burgener, earlier called for bringing the perpetrators of the crimes against Rohingyas to justice.
Myanmar’s State Counsellor and Nobel Peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi has either played down or denied most of the accusations by international organizations and rights groups.
In November 2017, Myanmar and Bangladesh signed an agreement to repatriate the Rohingya refugees within two years, but the process, which was supposed to have started in January this year, is yet to commence.
Myanmar does not recognize Rohingyas as citizens and considers them Bangladeshi immigrants. The country subjects them to various forms of discrimination, including restrictions on their freedom of movement.
–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.