Summary
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) will hold public hearings in January 2026 to consider accusations of genocide against Myanmar over its treatment of the Rohingya people. The case, brought by The Gambia, alleges Myanmar violated the UN genocide convention during a military crackdown in 2017. Myanmar will present its defense following The Gambia's arguments, with closed sessions scheduled for witness testimonies.
Key Facts
- The ICJ will conduct public hearings on Myanmar's alleged genocide starting January 12, 2026.
- The Gambia, with the backing of the Organisation for Islamic Cooperation, filed the case in 2019.
- Myanmar is accused of committing genocide against the Rohingya ethnic group in 2017.
- More than 742,000 Rohingya fled to Bangladesh due to alleged violence from Myanmar's military and militias.
- The ICJ instructed Myanmar in 2020 to take measures to prevent further genocide.
- Witness testimonies in the hearings will not be open to the public or media.
- Myanmar will present its side from January 16 to 20, 2026.
- The Gambia's Minister of Justice hopes for a court ruling soon after the hearings.
