Myanmar Faces Genocide Accusations in Global Court

Case Details:

• Court: International Court of Justice (ICJ)
• Start Date: January 12th, 2020
• End Date: January 29th, 2020
• Case Involves: Alleged genocide against Rohingya Muslims

Key Parties:

• Plaintiff: Gambia (Muslim-majority country in West Africa)
• Support: Organisation for Islamic Cooperation
• Filing Date: 2019

Myanmar's Stance:

• Denial: Myanmar denies genocide accusations.
• Counterclaim: Actions were against rebels, not Rohingya.
• Hearing Dates: January 16th to 20th

Procedural Unusualness:

• Witnesses: Court will hear from witnesses.
• Closed Hearings: No public or media access.

UN Findings:

• 2017 Campaign: UN found evidence of genocidal acts.
• Displacement: 730,000 Rohingya fled to Bangladesh.
• Myanmar's Response: Rejects findings as biased and flawed.

Legal Framework:

• Treaty: 1948 Genocide Convention.
• Definition: Acts to destroy a group, including killing, harm, and forced conditions.

Historical Context:

• Only Confirmed Genocide: 1995 Srebrenica massacre.
• Potential Impact: Outcome could set precedents for future cases.

International Involvement:

• Countries Involved: Canada, France, Germany, UK.
• Argument: Genocide includes forced displacement and other crimes.