Myanmar's lawyers are presenting their defence this week. This is happening at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). They strongly deny claims that their government planned genocide against the Rohingya people. The Gambia started this case in 2019. It focuses on claims of bad treatment and violence. These claims followed a big military action in 2017. The ICJ is part of the United Nations. It will decide this important case.
The Gambia first said Myanmar used "genocidal policies." These policies, they argued, wanted to destroy the Rohingya. The Rohingya are a Muslim minority group. They have faced problems for a long time. The case uses the Genocide Convention. It says Myanmar broke this important law. Now, the court is listening to Myanmar's answers.
Myanmar's lawyer said the 2017 military actions were lawful. He said they were to fight against rebels. He called them "clearance operations" against terrorists. The government had to act, he said. He stated, "Myanmar was not obliged to remain idle." He explained the military's actions were a necessary response.
The 2017 events caused this legal fight. A military crackdown happened in Rakhine State. Thousands of Rohingya died. Over 700,000 people left their homes. A United Nations report showed the violence. It suggested investigating genocide.
The Gambia decided to bring this case. It felt a "sense of responsibility." This is because of their own past. The Gambia says Myanmar broke international law. They want Myanmar to be accountable. They believe it was an attempt to destroy a people.
This case is very important. It is the first time Myanmar faces genocide charges at the ICJ. The decision could change how genocide law is understood. It could also set examples for holding countries responsible. The world is watching Myanmar's human rights. This is especially after the 2021 military takeover. The ICJ will continue its work. The world waits for its decision.