Post by : Saif Rahman

Gambia has informed judges at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that Myanmar purposefully devastated the lives of the Rohingya people, transforming their daily lives into chaos. This case marks a significant undertaking at the UN’s top court, accusing Myanmar of genocide committed against the Rohingya, a marginalized Muslim minority.

This is the first comprehensive genocide case presented to the ICJ in over a decade, and legal analysts suggest the impending verdict could have ramifications not only for Myanmar but also for other global genocide inquiries.

During proceedings, Gambia's Justice Minister Dawda Jallow emphasized that the Rohingya were merely individuals seeking peaceful coexistence, yet found themselves subjected to systematic annihilation. Gambia argues that Myanmar's conduct robbed the Rohingya of security, homes, and aspirations, substituting ordinary life with dread and brutality.

The initial complaint was lodged by Gambia in 2019, primarily concerning a military offensive initiated by Myanmar in 2017 within Rakhine state, which forced over 730,000 Rohingya to escape to Bangladesh. Testimonies from refugees recount horrific acts of murder, rampant sexual violence, and the destruction of entire communities.

A UN investigation later indicated substantial evidence pointing towards genocide by Myanmar's military. However, Myanmar has dismissed these allegations, asserting that the military's actions were a necessary counter-terrorism response to attacks from Rohingya militants.

For Rohingya survivors, these proceedings provide a long-anticipated glimmer of hope. Refugees voiced their desires outside the courtroom, expressing a wish for global acknowledgment of their plight. Many view a potential ruling against Myanmar as vital for validating their experiences and pursuing justice after years of neglect.

This case is unprecedented, allowing Rohingya victims to present their narratives to an international court for the first time. Though their testimonies will be held in closed sessions for privacy, their experiences are now formally included in legal considerations.

Myanmar's situation has deteriorated in recent years, particularly following the military coup in 2021, which triggered widespread violence and civil unrest. The ongoing elections have faced criticism from the United Nations and human rights organizations for being unjust.

The proceedings at the ICJ will unfold over several weeks. While the ruling may take time, this case is a potent reminder that even influential nations can be held accountable under international law, affirming that victims of mass brutality will not be overlooked.

#Global News