Book Review: The Rohingya Crisis and the International Criminal Court by H. Takemura

• Published date: 01 December 2024
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.1177/10575677241261082
• Author: Firda Imah Suryani,Anisa Jihan Tumiwa,Miftachatun Naimah,Hendi Setiawan
• Date: 01 December 2024
• Subject Matter: Book Reviews

Book Reviews

Takemura, H. (2023).

The Rohingya Crisis and the International Criminal Court. Springer. pp. 151. ISBN: 978-981-99-2734-0. €106.99.

Reviewed by: Firda Imah Suryani , Anisa Jihan Tumiwa, Miftachatun Naimah and Hendi Setiawan, Universitas

Gadjah Mada

DOI: 10.1177/10575677241261082

The complex interplay between the Rohingya crisis and the mechanisms of international crim-

inal justice serves as the central theme of Hitomi Takemura’s analytical treatise, The Rohingya

Crisis and the International Criminal Court. In this comprehensive examination, Takemura

navigates the legal landscape shaped by the International Criminal Court (ICC) to address

the severe and ongoing human rights violations against the Rohingya people. Through an

in-depth analysis of the procedural and substantive applications of international law, the

book reveals the challenges the ICC faces in its efforts to prosecute crimes against humanity

on a global stage. Takemura’s methodical exploration utilizes extensive legal documentation

and interviews, illuminating how the ICC, despite its mandate to uphold international criminal

justice, often struggles with geopolitical constraints and limitations in jurisdiction that impede

the path to justice for the Rohingya. Critically assessing the effectiveness of the ICC’s interven-

tions, the author advocates for a more robust and nuanced approach to international legal frame-

works that can more effectively address and adapt to the complexities of such humanitarian

crises. The work not only maps out the legal battles of the Rohingya but also serves as a

call for reform, making it an essential contribution to the discourse on international criminal

justice and human rights.

Takemura explores the ICC’s jurisdictional limitations and the geopolitical complexities that

hamper its ability to effectively prosecute international crimes. She highlights the obstacles posed

by national sovereignty and the political will of state actors, which often prevent the ICC from ful-

f‌illing its mandate to bring justice to the victims of the Rohingya crisis. This analysis extends to the

implications of these legal barriers for the broader international community, emphasizing the need for

global cooperation to overcome these challenges. Takemura also examines the ICC’s dependency on

state cooperation and how this affects the court’s impartiality and ability to operate effectively in

politically charged environments. By integrating insights from international relations and legal

theory, Takemura not only critiques the current state of international criminal justice but also sug-

gests pathways for reform that could enhance the ICC’s capacity to address such complex humani-

tarian issues. This discussion is pivotal for understanding the interaction between law and politics on

the international stage.

The book is structured into six chapters, each contributing a unique perspective on the legal and

humanitarian issues. Chapter 1, “Introduction,”sets the stage by outlining the scope of the crisis

and the international legal mechanisms available to address it. It provides the necessary back-

ground to understand the depth of the crisis and the international community’s response.

Chapter 2, “Background to the Rohingya Crisis,”delves into the historical, political, and social

Book Reviews

International Criminal Justice Review

2024, Vol. 34(4) 433-439

© 2024 Georgia State University

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