Rohingya Genocide Case Nears Critical Judgment

Rohingya Genocide Case: On January 29, the hearings regarding Gambia's genocide case against Myanmar concluded after three weeks at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Initiated in 2019, this case asserts that Myanmar's actions against the Rohingya people in 2016 and 2017 breach the Genocide Convention established in 1948.

Gambia contended that the extreme violence, rampant sexual abuse, and deliberate targeting of children by Myanmar’s military—coupled with the systematic destruction of Rohingya villages—are indicators of an intent to commit genocide against this ethnic group. The objective was clear: to eliminate the Rohingya, fully or partially, based on their national, ethnic, racial, or religious identity.

During the proceedings, judges heard harrowing testimonies from Rohingya individuals who formerly lived in the villages of Min Gyi (Tula Toli), Chut Pyin, and Maung Nu in Myanmar’s western Rakhine State. They described horrific incidents, including children shot, stabbed, and tossed into fires, alongside accounts of gang rapes and families forced into raging infernos. These accounts align with previous reports from organizations like the United Nations and Human Rights Watch, highlighting the ongoing crisis.

Representing Myanmar in these hearings, Ko Ko Hlaing and Thida Oo, faced sanctions from the United States, Canada, and other nations for their roles in the military junta. They defended the military actions from 2016 to 2017 as counterterrorism initiatives, arguing that there was no established intent for genocide.

Rohingya observers, both in the courtroom and beyond, have consistently sought accountability for the military's atrocities. The situation remains dire for those still in Myanmar, particularly following the military coup in 2021, which has led to widespread abuses throughout the nation.

"This case is not just about technical legal matters, but rather about the real people whose lives have been shattered—the Rohingya of Myanmar," stated Gambian Justice Minister Dawda Jallow in his opening remarks. He emphasized the Rohingya's aspiration to return to a safe and peaceful life in their homeland, a prospect Myanmar has denied them, instead subjecting them to unimaginable violence and devastation.

While a verdict in this Rohingya Genocide Case won’t be anticipated for at least six months, these proceedings represent a significant step in the quest for justice. The world’s premier court has taken the first steps in acknowledging the suffering endured by the Rohingya. Rohingya Genocide Case Moves Toward Judgment At International Court Rohingya genocide case proceedings reached a critical milestone on January 29 as hearings in the case brought by Gambia against Myanmar concluded after three weeks at the International Court of Justice . Filed in 2019, case alleges that Myanmar’s military operations against the Rohingya population in 2016 and 2017 violated obligations under the 1948 Genocide Convention.

Arguments presented by Gambia emphasized that large-scale killings, widespread sexual violence, systematic destruction of villages, and targeting of children demonstrated genocidal intent. Legal team argued that violence was not incidental to armed conflict but aimed at destroying the Rohingya people, in whole or in part, based on ethnic and religious identity.

Survivor Testimonies Underscore Severity Of Crimes Judges heard detailed testimonies from Rohingya survivors formerly living in Min Gyi (Tula Toli), Chut Pyin, and Maung Nu villages in Rakhine State. Accounts described mass executions, children burned alive, sexual violence against women and girls, and families forced into homes that were set ablaze. Evidence presented aligned closely with earlier findings by the United Nations and Human Rights Watch documenting crimes against humanity committed during the military campaigns.

These testimonies reinforced arguments that violence followed a consistent pattern across multiple locations, strengthening claims of coordinated intent rather than isolated abuses.

Myanmar’s Defense And International Scrutiny Representing Myanmar , Ko Ko Hlaing and Thida Oo defended military operations as legitimate counterterrorism actions, denying genocidal intent. Both officials remain under sanctions from the United States, Canada, and other governments for roles connected to the military junta.

Defense argued that atrocities, where acknowledged, were isolated misconduct rather than state policy. Judges repeatedly questioned how such widespread and consistent abuses could occur absent command responsibility, signaling skepticism toward that narrative.

Broader Context Of Impunity And Ongoing Abuses Rohingya observers stressed that accountability remains urgently needed, especially following Myanmar’s 2021 military coup. Conditions for Rohingya still inside the country continue to deteriorate amid broader repression, displacement, and denial of basic rights.

Opening remarks from Gambian Justice Minister Dawda Jallow framed the case as centered on victims rather than abstract legal principles. Statement emphasized that Rohingya seek safe return, dignity, and justice, all of which have been systematically denied.

Why This Case Matters Globally Judgment in this Rohingya genocide case is not expected for at least six months. Even so, proceedings mark a historic moment. World’s highest court has formally examined evidence of atrocities that many survivors feared would never receive international recognition.

Outcome will influence future enforcement of the Genocide Convention and signal whether international law can meaningfully address mass atrocities when accountability mechanisms inside affected countries fail. Continued engagement by institutions such as the United Nations and sustained pressure from global civil society remain essential as the case moves toward judgment.