Judges are hearing three weeks of evidence before deciding whether Myanmar was in breach of the Genocide Convention with its violent actions against the Rohingya.
Under this convention, any state can drag any other before the ICJ, which settles disputes between countries, if it believes a breach has occurred.
A final decision could take months or even years, and while the ICJ has no means of enforcing its decisions, a ruling in favour of The Gambia would heap more political pressure on Myanmar.
“A finding of genocide would place an indelible stain on my country and its people,” said Hlaing.
“These proceedings are of the fundamental importance for my country’s reputation and future.”
“GENOCIDAL INTENT”
Before Myanmar took the stand, representatives from The Gambia laid bare days of harrowing evidence about the crackdown, including mass rape, indiscriminate murder, and torture.
The Rohingya were “targeted for destruction”, The Gambia’s justice minister told the judges.
“When the court considers … all of the evidence taken together, the only reasonable conclusion to reach is that a genocidal intent permeated and informed Myanmar’s myriad of state-led actions against the Rohingya,” said Philippe Sands, arguing for The Gambia.
Source: CNA
