United Nations: ICJ Deliberates on Genocide Case Against Myanmar

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has concluded three weeks of intense public hearings on the merits of a case accusing Myanmar of committing genocide against the Rohingya people. The case, brought by The Gambia and supported by 11 intervening states, focuses on the military-led "clearance operations" that began in 2017. Judges are now beginning their deliberations after hearing direct testimony from survivors regarding mass killings and systematic displacement.

During the proceedings, legal representatives for Myanmar argued that the court lacked the evidence to establish "genocidal intent," suggesting the military actions were a response to internal security threats. Conversely, The Gambia's legal team presented evidence of "coordinated and widespread" atrocities designed to destroy the Rohingya as a group. The court’s eventual ruling will set a significant legal precedent for how the Genocide Convention is applied to state-sponsored violence.

While a final judgment on the merits could take several months or even years, the conclusion of these hearings marks a historic milestone for international justice. It is the first time that Rohingya victims have had their accounts heard directly by the UN’s highest court. The international community is closely watching the case, as a finding of genocide would carry heavy legal and diplomatic consequences for the current administration in Myanmar.