Rohingya refugees residing in Bangladesh are expressing renewed hope for justice as the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has initiated a landmark genocide case against Myanmar, marking the first such full case in over a decade. This significant legal action accuses the Myanmar military of deliberately targeting the Rohingya, a predominantly Muslim minority, in a systematic effort to destroy their community.
During the opening statements before the ICJ in The Hague, The Gambia’s Justice Minister, Dawda Jallow, emphasized the human aspect of the case. He highlighted the real-life impact on individuals within the Rohingya community, stating, “They have been targeted for destruction.” The Gambian government filed the case in 2019, prompted by a military offensive in 2017 that had forcibly displaced approximately 750,000 Rohingya, primarily to Bangladesh. Testimonies from refugees have detailed horrific instances of mass killings, sexual violence, and destructive violence against their villages.
This trial is particularly noteworthy as it sets critical precedents concerning the definition, proof, and remedies for genocide, according to Nicholas Koumjian, the chief of the UN’s Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar. The hearings, which are expected to last three weeks, may have broader implications, potentially influencing ongoing international discussions regarding other conflict situations, including allegations against Israel.
In Cox’s Bazar, home to many Rohingya refugees, community members are hopeful that these proceedings could result in concrete justice and accountability. Tawfiq Al-Mohsin, a representative of the Rohingya community, voiced optimism, stating, “We sincerely believe that the ICJ hearing is a new hope to people that our decade-long suffering and denial may finally end.” Meanwhile, 37-year-old mother Janifa Begum spoke about the loss of dignity and safety faced by Rohingya women as a result of the military’s actions.
Although the ICJ lacks direct enforcement power, many refugees like Mohammad Sayed Ullah hope the trial will provide some measure of solace and accountability. The head of Myanmar’s Women’s Peace Network, Wai Wai Nu, spoke about the significance of the trial, asserting that it offers a glimmer of renewed hope that the long-standing suffering of the Rohingya might draw to a close.
The hearings represent a critical opportunity for Rohingya victims to finally present their cases in an international legal forum, albeit in private sessions to ensure sensitivity. Should the ICJ determine that Myanmar has violated the Genocide Convention, it would set a remarkable precedent for state-level accountability for genocide.
The political landscape in Myanmar remains tumultuous, particularly following the military coup in 2021, which exacerbated violence and turmoil across the country. The opposition National Unity Government has expressed its acceptance of the ICJ’s jurisdiction, acknowledging past failures that allowed human rights abuses to proliferate. Meanwhile, Myanmar’s military leader is facing separate charges at the International Criminal Court for his role in the alleged persecution of the Rohingya.
As Myanmar undertakes phased elections widely criticized for lacking fairness, the plight and aspirations of the Rohingya continue to capture international attention. The ongoing legal efforts may provide a pathway toward restoring dignity and justice for the Rohingya people amid their enduring suffering.