ICJ hears opening statements in genocide case against Myanmar

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has commenced hearings concerning allegations of genocide committed by Myanmar against the Rohingya ethnic minority. The case, initially filed by The Gambia in 2019, centers on Myanmar's military operations in 2017 that allegedly breached the 1948 Genocide Convention.

The Gambia, citing its own history with military governance, initiated the legal proceedings. Gambian Justice Minister Dawda Jallow emphasized the lack of accountability for crimes against the Rohingya, stating that the military involved in the alleged genocide later executed a coup against civilian authorities. The Gambia's legal representative, Philippe Sands, presented evidence suggesting genocidal intent behind Myanmar's actions.

Myanmar, currently under military control, has denied the accusations and challenged the court's jurisdiction, arguing that The Gambia lacks direct involvement in the matter. The country was initially represented by Aung San Suu Kyi, who maintained that the displacement of Rohingya was an unintended consequence of military actions against insurgents.

The military campaign in Rakhine state in 2017 resulted in over 700,000 Rohingya fleeing to Bangladesh. Presently, approximately 1.2 million Rohingya live in overcrowded camps, where conditions are dire, and foreign aid cuts have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis.

Based on reporting by Africanews.