Restoring critical oversight. Voters in the United States elected a majority of Democrats to control both the House and the Senate in the November 3 midterm elections.

This newly elected Congress will convene at a critical moment for human rights domestically and globally. Lawmakers have an opportunity challenge the Trump administration’s many abuses, embrace Congress’ oversight authority, and act decisively to protect human rights.

Here are some top priorities for the next Congress to fulfill and protect rights in the US and abroad and ensure long-awaited accountability for widespread abuses.

A step toward justice. In a case brought by Gambia against Myanmar for alleged violations of the Genocide Convention, the International Court of Justice will deliver its verdict on November 19. 

In August 2017, Myanmar’s security forces began a sweeping campaign of massacres, rape, and arson against ethnic Rohingya in northern Rakhine State that forced more than 700,000 people to flee to neighboring Bangladesh. The case before the ICJ alleges that Myanmar’s atrocities against the Rohingya constitute genocide.

In a new Q&A, we discuss key issued in the case and what is at stake.

The ICJ’s judgment will mark a crucial moment in the Rohingya’s quest for justice and a stark reminder that their oppression is ongoing.