Summary
The Gambia has taken a case to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) accusing Myanmar of committing genocide against the Rohingya people. The case began this week, with The Gambia arguing that Myanmar's military targeted the Rohingya for destruction, forcing hundreds of thousands to flee to Bangladesh. This is the first genocide case brought by a third country at the ICJ to protect another nation or group.
Key Facts
- The Gambia's case against Myanmar started at the ICJ, focusing on alleged genocide against the Rohingya minority.
- The military offensive in Myanmar forced about 750,000 Rohingya to flee to Bangladesh.
- The case marks the first time the ICJ hears a genocide case brought by a third country.
- The Gambia filed the lawsuit in November 2019, representing the Organisation for Islamic Cooperation.
- The United Nations reported around 10,000 killings and 730,000 displacements during the attacks on Rohingya communities.
- Several countries, including Canada and Germany, support The Gambia in this legal action.
- The ICJ cannot enforce its decisions, but its rulings carry legal significance.
- The case was inspired by The Gambia's history of dealing with repression under former leader Yahya Jammeh.
