Five European countries and Canada have joined The Gambia in accusing Myanmar of genocide against the Rohingya community at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Britain filed a joint declaration of intervention with the case, citing their common interest in preventing and punishing genocide. Germany’s Director-General for Legal Affairs, Tania von Uslar, emphasized their focus on combating violence against women and children.
The court also revealed that The Maldives has filed a separate declaration accusing Myanmar of genocide, allowing these countries to make legal arguments in the case. The case was brought forward in 2019 after a UN fact-finding mission concluded that Myanmar’s military campaign had included “genocidal acts.” Myanmar has denied genocide and rejected the UN findings, blaming their crackdown on Rohingya rebels.
The situation for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh remains difficult, with nearly one million living in overcrowded and under-resourced camps. Bangladesh and Myanmar brokered a repatriation plan, but many refugees fear further persecution and refuse to return. Tensions have led to hundreds of Rohingya fleeing to Indonesia, with local communities in Aceh expressing resistance to more arrivals.
The rejection of Rohingya refugees in Indonesia has raised concerns, with human rights organizations urging the government to help the refugees and ratify the 1951 Refugee Convention.