How ULA–AA Holds the Key to the Real Impact of the ICC Ruling on the Rohingya Case

 

ULA Chairman Met Muslim Leaders in Maungdaw

The International Criminal Court (ICC) ruling on jurisdiction over crimes related to the forced deportation of Rohingya people into Bangladesh marked a significant legal milestone. However, turning this ruling into meaningful justice remains a complex challenge, constrained by political resistance, limited access, and weak enforcement mechanisms inside Myanmar.

For years, international accountability efforts have struggled to move beyond symbolic outcomes. Investigators have faced serious barriers in accessing affected areas, while geopolitical interests and limited cooperation have slowed efforts to establish clear chains of responsibility for crimes committed in northern Rakhine State in 2017.

Within this evolving landscape, the United League of Arakan (ULA) and the Arakan Army (AA) have emerged as influential actors with the potential to shape the practical impact of the ICC process. Their growing administrative presence across large parts of Rakhine State has created conditions that could allow access to areas previously beyond the reach of international investigators.

Importantly, the ULA leadership has not been accused or implicated by Rohingya activists or rights advocates in relation to the 2017 atrocities. Rather, current discussions focus on the possible role ULA-AA could play in facilitating access to information, locations, and individuals who may hold relevant knowledge of past events — a distinction that remains essential to avoid misrepresentation or politicization of justice efforts.

Individuals under ULA-AA authority, including former state security personnel and local actors, may possess first-hand information about operational decisions and command structures during the period in question. Such information is vital for establishing accountability at the international level, particularly in strengthening evidentiary standards required by the ICC.

Observers emphasize that engagement with ULA-AA must be conducted carefully and responsibly. Framing cooperation as accusation or pressure risks undermining trust and destabilizing fragile relationships on the ground. Justice for the Rohingya people will not be advanced through confrontation, but through measured dialogue, coordination, and an evidence-based approach.

If approached constructively, the involvement of ULA-AA could help bridge the gap between international legal rulings and real-world outcomes. The effectiveness of the ICC process will ultimately depend not only on court decisions, but also on how influential local actors engage with the broader pursuit of truth, accountability, and lasting justice.

https://www.globalarakannetwork.com/post/how-ula-aa-becomes-a-key-holder-for-the-real-impacts-of-icc-ruling-on-rohingya-case