ICJ Hears Arguments from Myanmar and The Gambia in Rohingya Genocide Case

Report by Rohingya Political Journalist Saiful Arakani. Hague- International Court of Justice.

The Hague 23 January 2026 The International Court of Justice (ICJ) held proceedings today in the ongoing case concerning allegations of genocide committed against the Rohingya people in Myanmar, originally brought before the Court by The Gambia.

During the hearing, The Gambia reaffirmed its position that Myanmar has violated its obligations under the Genocide Convention. The Gambian legal team argued that the Rohingya have been subjected to widespread and systematic violence, displacement, and destruction of their communities, and emphasized the need for continued international judicial oversight to ensure accountability and protection for the Rohingya population.

Myanmar, in its submissions, rejected allegations of genocidal intent. Myanmar’s representatives maintained that actions taken by its authorities were related to internal security matters and denied that the state committed genocide against the Rohingya. Myanmar also argued that it has taken steps domestically to address issues related to Rakhine State.

Rohingya Political Avtivist said that The judges of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) are expected to take approximately three months to deliver a final decision following the recent hearing related to the case against Myanmar.

According to Saifullah Mohammed, this timeline reflects the judicial process of the ICJ, during which judges carefully examine legal submissions, evidence, and arguments presented by all parties. He emphasized that the process has involved substantial effort, coordination, and sustained advocacy by himself and his team over an extended period

Saifullah Mohammed old us that they will continue to fight for the rights of the Rohingya people until justice is achieved for the Rohingya genocide and until the Rohingya are able to safely return to their own land with dignity and full rights. He further expressed hope that the Rohingya will ultimately receive justice through the proceedings of the International Court of Justice (ICJ)

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https://www.facebook.com/share/1SfaFzXYii/ Saifullah Mohammed further indicated that a detailed and comprehensive report will be shared with the public in due course. This report will include verified and confirmed information related to the ICJ proceedings and associated advocacy efforts. At present, he has chosen to remain publicly silent in order to continue collecting, cross-checking, and confirming factual information in a responsible manner.

The ICJ judges, during today’s session, did not issue a final ruling. The Court stated that it has carefully received the submissions, legal arguments, and evidence presented by both parties. The judges confirmed that deliberations will continue in accordance with ICJ procedures and that a written decision will be delivered at a later date.

The Court emphasized the seriousness and gravity of the allegations concerning the Rohingya people and reiterated that its role is to assess state responsibility under international law. No immediate judgment on the merits of the case was announced.

Rohingya advocates noted that the proceedings represent an important step in the pursuit of justice and accountability. The ICJ’s decision, once issued, is expected to have significant implications for the protection of the Rohingya and for the enforcement of the Genocide Convention globally.

In addition, it is noted that approximately two months prior to the ICJ hearing, Mr. Nicholas Koumjian, Head of the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM) a United Nations-mandated body responsible for collecting, preserving, and analyzing evidence of international crimes committed in Myanmar traveled to Canada. During his visit, Mr. Koumjian met with the Rohingya Centre of Canada, its team, and Rohingya victims to engage directly with the community and hear testimonies related to serious human rights violations.

Saifullah Mohammed said that the Rohingya community and genocide survivors express their sincere gratitude and appreciation to Worldwide law offices and the legal team representing The Gambia for their strong and continued support in seeking justice for victims of genocide.

He said that the dedication, professionalism, and commitment shown by these legal teams particularly in proceedings before the International Court of Justice have been crucial in amplifying the voices of genocide survivors and upholding the principles of international law.

Saifullah Mohammed said that their efforts have provided hope to Rohingya survivors and reaffirmed the global responsibility to ensure accountability for crimes of genocide. He emphasized that the Rohingya community recognizes and deeply values the role played by Worldwide law offices and the Gambia lawyers’ team in standing with victims and supporting the ongoing fight against impunity

This visit highlighted the ongoing international efforts toward accountability and justice and underscored the role of Rohingya-led organizations in supporting documentation, truth-seeking, and engagement with international mechanisms.