ICJ poised to decide if Myanmar's actions constitute genocide against Rohingya

After years of UN investigations into the 2017 military "clearance operations" in Myanmar's Rakhine State, the International Court of Justice is set to rule on The Gambia's genocide case against Myanmar. The lawsuit relies on evidence of mass killings, systematic rape of women and girls, and the forced exodus of over 700,000 Rohingya to Bangladesh. Legal Action Worldwide, representing the victims, has submitted extensive witness statements, including those of a hijra survivor, and highlighted patterns of intent to destroy the community.

If the judges find Myanmar responsible, it would be the first ICJ genocide judgment and could influence other cases, such as South Africa's suit against Israel. Rohingya refugees stress that justice means not only accountability but also restoration of citizenship, property and safe return. The court’s decision, while binding, may face enforcement challenges given Myanmar's military rule.