January 17, 2026 | 07:36 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Myanmar on Friday rejected allegations that it committed genocide against the Rohingya Muslim minority. Myanmar's representatives stated that these allegations were "unsubstantiated," and told the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that their actions were part of a "counter-terrorism operation."
Myanmar defended itself in the UN court against accusations by Gambia that actions against the Rohingya violated the 1948 UN Genocide Convention.
"This case will be decided on the basis of proven facts, not unsubstantiated allegations. Emotional language and blurry factual pictures are not a substitute for a rigorous presentation of facts," said Ko Ko Hlaing, a minister in the president's office, as reported by CNA.
Myanmar has always maintained that the 2017 crackdown by its armed forces, the Tatmadaw, was justified to crush Rohingya rebels after attacks killed dozens of security personnel.
"Myanmar was not obliged to remain idle and allow terrorists to have free reign of northern Rakhine states," Hlaing told the judges.
"These attacks were the reasons for the clearance operations, which is a military term referring to counter-insurgency or counter-terrorism operations," Hlaing stated.
ICJ judges in The Hague are hearing evidence for three weeks before deciding whether Myanmar violated the Genocide Convention through its actions against the Rohingya.
Under this convention, any country can bring another to the ICJ, which settles disputes between nations, if it believes a violation occurred.
The final decision could take months or years. While the ICJ lacks enforcement power, a decision for Gambia would increase political pressure on Myanmar.
"A finding of genocide would place an indelible stain on my country and its people," Hlaing said. "These proceedings are of the fundamental importance for my country's reputation and future."
GENOCIDE INTENT
Before Myanmar testified, Gambia representatives presented evidence of oppression, including rape, killings, and torture. The Rohingya were "targeted for destruction," Gambia's justice minister told the judges.
"When the court considers ... all of the evidence taken together, the only reasonable conclusion to reach is that a genocidal intent permeated and informed Myanmar's myriad of state-led actions against the Rohingya," said Philippe Sands, who argued for Gambia.
Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims fled violence by the Myanmar army and militias. They sought refuge in Bangladesh, reporting atrocities.
Currently, 1.17 million Rohingya live in camps over 8,000 hectares in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh.
"Let me also clear that Myanmar is committed to achieving the repatriation to Myanmar of persons from Rakhine State currently living in camps in Bangladesh," Hlaing said.
Legal experts are observing the trial as it could provide clues on how the court handles genocide allegations against Israel regarding Gaza, a case brought by South Africa.
The ICJ session concluded on January 29. Judges will hear evidence from victims in closed sessions before both sides deliver final statements.
The ICJ is not the only court investigating possible genocide against the Rohingya; other cases are ongoing in the International Criminal Court (ICC) and in Argentina under the principle of universal jurisdiction.
Read: Myanmar Faces Rohingya Genocide Case: What to Know
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