Myanmar rejects allegations of Rohingya genocide at ICJ

Myanmar has rejected allegations that genocide was committed against the Rohingya minority during military operations, claiming the actions were legitimate counterterrorism measures. Naypyidaw presented its position at the International Court of Justice on January 16.

In 2019, The Gambia filed a case against Myanmar at the ICJ, alleging that violence against the Rohingya during operations in Rakhine in 2017 violated the 1948 United Nations Genocide Convention. Thousands of Rohingya were killed, many women were subjected to sexual violence, and more than 700,000 people fled to Bangladesh to save their lives.

Representing Myanmar at the ICJ, Ko Ko Hlaing said The Gambia had failed to provide evidence supporting its claims. He said the operations were not directed against civilians but were aimed at terrorists.

On the other hand, The Gambia argued that Myanmar’s actions showed a clear intent to destroy the Rohingya population, citing long-standing persecution and the so-called clearance operations of 2016 and 2017. The court was told that around 1.2 million Rohingya are currently living in temporary and overcrowded camps in Bangladesh.

The ICJ will hear evidence and arguments for three weeks before deciding whether Myanmar violated the Genocide Convention. Although the court has no direct mechanism to enforce its rulings, a verdict in favour of The Gambia is expected to increase international political pressure on Myanmar.

Ko Ko Hlaing added that if genocide were proven, it would be an indelible stain on the country and its people, but said Myanmar believes the measures taken were necessary for national security and the country’s future.