Myanmar begins defence in landmark genocide case at UN court

At the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Myanmar has begun its defense against genocide charges brought by The Gambia, denying the accusations and claiming insufficient evidence. The case stems from a 2017 military crackdown in Myanmar's Rakhine state that led to the deaths of thousands of Rohingya Muslims and the displacement of over 700,000 to Bangladesh. The Gambia argues that Myanmar's actions, including killings and village destruction, demonstrate a genocidal intent to erase the Rohingya population. Myanmar maintains its operations targeted insurgent threats and denies any genocidal policies, stating it had a right to defend itself against terrorism. The Gambia, backed by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, initiated the case in 2019, citing a responsibility to act following its own experiences with military rule.

The Gambia has brought a case against Myanmar in the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing the country of committing genocide against its Rohingya Muslim minority. The case, which began in January 2026, stems from a 2017 military offensive that forced approximately 750,000 Rohingya to flee to Bangladesh amid reports of mass killings and arson. This is the first time the ICJ is hearing allegations of mass violations against the Rohingya and the first time a third-party country has brought a genocide case in defense of another group. The Gambia argues that the Rohingya were deliberately targeted for destruction by the Myanmar government. While the ICJ's rulings are not enforceable, a decision in this case could have implications for other genocide cases, such as South Africa's case against Israel.

The International Court of Justice began hearing a genocide case against Myanmar in The Hague on Monday, brought by Gambia on behalf of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. The case centers on Myanmar's alleged genocide against the Rohingya Muslim minority, stemming from a 2016 military campaign. Gambia argues that international law allows countries to act against genocide anywhere, even if unaffected, a precedent used in a later case against Israel. Myanmar denies the charges, claiming its actions were "clearance operations" following insurgent attacks. The hearings will involve three weeks of arguments and testimony regarding the alleged atrocities committed against the Rohingya.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) will hold public hearings in January regarding accusations of genocide committed by Myanmar against its Rohingya community. The case was brought to the ICJ by The Gambia in 2019, alleging Myanmar violated the UN genocide convention during a 2017 crackdown that forced over 742,000 Rohingya to flee. Hearings, scheduled from January 12-20, will allow both The Gambia and Myanmar to present their arguments. Unusually, the ICJ will also hold closed-door hearings to examine witnesses and an expert. This is the first genocide case the ICJ has heard on its merits in over a decade and could set precedents for other cases, such as South Africa's case against Israel.