Myanmar Military to Face Genocide Case at UN Court in Historic Step Towards Justice for Rohingya
In a significant development, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is set to hear a genocide case against Myanmar's military, marking a major step forward towards justice for the Rohingya minority. The case, filed by Gambia on behalf of the Rohingya people, centers on military operations in 2016 and 2017 that forced over 700,000 Rohingya to flee to neighboring Bangladesh.
Survivors like Monaira*, who was raped by military personnel and witnessed her brother being shot dead and his home set on fire, are among those hoping for long-awaited justice. "We demand justice," Monaira says, traveling from a refugee camp in Bangladesh to The Hague to listen to hearings. Her testimony is just one of the many accounts that will be presented to the court as it assesses allegations of genocide against Myanmar's military.
The ICJ case is the first genocide case at this level in over a decade and sets a precedent for how future allegations are assessed, including South Africa's case accusing Israel of genocide. The Gambia's justice minister, Dawda Jallow, describes the case as "about real people, real stories and a real group of human beings โ the Rohingya of Myanmar." He emphasizes that the military's actions have subjected the Rohingya to horrific violence and destruction.
Myanmar has denied the allegations of genocide and will present its arguments from January 16-20. Unusually, survivors like Monaira will give evidence in the case, which is expected to conclude on January 29. The court's decision could be issued within six to 12 months.
Human rights groups see this as a crucial moment for justice and accountability. Antonia Mulvey of Legal Action Worldwide notes that "situations can change overnight" but emphasizes that the ICJ's orders would still represent a significant step forward, even if implemented in the current environment.
The case will also offer long-awaited recognition of what Rohingya people have endured. Shayna Bauchner of Human Rights Watch calls for governments to hold Myanmar to its legal obligation to comply with ICJ-ordered provisional measures, which aim to prevent genocidal violence against the Rohingya minority.
As the world watches, hopes are high that this historic case will pave the way for justice and accountability for the Rohingya people.
In a significant development, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is set to hear a genocide case against Myanmar's military, marking a major step forward towards justice for the Rohingya minority. The case, filed by Gambia on behalf of the Rohingya people, centers on military operations in 2016 and 2017 that forced over 700,000 Rohingya to flee to neighboring Bangladesh.
Survivors like Monaira*, who was raped by military personnel and witnessed her brother being shot dead and his home set on fire, are among those hoping for long-awaited justice. "We demand justice," Monaira says, traveling from a refugee camp in Bangladesh to The Hague to listen to hearings. Her testimony is just one of the many accounts that will be presented to the court as it assesses allegations of genocide against Myanmar's military.
The ICJ case is the first genocide case at this level in over a decade and sets a precedent for how future allegations are assessed, including South Africa's case accusing Israel of genocide. The Gambia's justice minister, Dawda Jallow, describes the case as "about real people, real stories and a real group of human beings โ the Rohingya of Myanmar." He emphasizes that the military's actions have subjected the Rohingya to horrific violence and destruction.
Myanmar has denied the allegations of genocide and will present its arguments from January 16-20. Unusually, survivors like Monaira will give evidence in the case, which is expected to conclude on January 29. The court's decision could be issued within six to 12 months.
Human rights groups see this as a crucial moment for justice and accountability. Antonia Mulvey of Legal Action Worldwide notes that "situations can change overnight" but emphasizes that the ICJ's orders would still represent a significant step forward, even if implemented in the current environment.
The case will also offer long-awaited recognition of what Rohingya people have endured. Shayna Bauchner of Human Rights Watch calls for governments to hold Myanmar to its legal obligation to comply with ICJ-ordered provisional measures, which aim to prevent genocidal violence against the Rohingya minority.
As the world watches, hopes are high that this historic case will pave the way for justice and accountability for the Rohingya people.