Press Release
ARNC Extends Gratitude to The Gambia and Legal Team as International Court of Justice Concludes Genocide Hearings Against Myanmar
The Arakan Rohingya National Council (ARNC) sincerely welcomes the conclusion of the hearings before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the historic case brought by the Republic of The Gambia, with the support of eleven other States, against the Republic of the Union of Myanmar concerning violations of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.
ARNC expresses its deepest gratitude to the International Court of Justice, its esteemed Judges, officers, and staff for their professionalism, integrity, and commitment to upholding international law and justice.
We convey our heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to Foley Hoag LLP, the legal team representing The Gambia, for their steadfast and principled advocacy for justice for the Rohingya at the International Court of Justice. Their professional commitment to international law and accountability continues to give hope to a persecuted people of Myanmar and strengthen the global fight against genocide and impunity.
We also extend our profound appreciation to the Government and people of The Gambia for their moral courage and principled leadership in bringing this case on behalf of the Rohingya people, as well as to the eleven supporting States for standing in defense of accountability and human dignity. ARNC acknowledges and appreciates the support of the people of Myanmar for standing with us in this historic pursuit of justice.
ARNC is confident that the Court will render its decision based on the extensive and compelling evidence presented, including eyewitness accounts, survivor testimonies, and expert analyses. The evidence clearly demonstrates that Myanmar’s security forces, with the support of extremist elements from the Rakhine community, have committed acts that violate all the provisions of the Genocide Convention against the Rohingya people of Arakan.
We trust that the Court will uphold its mandate by determining responsibility in accordance with international law and by ordering appropriate remedies, including reparations and compensation, as provided for under the Genocide Convention. Justice delayed is justice denied, and we respectfully urge the Court to deliver its decision at the earliest possible opportunity.
Furthermore, ARNC calls upon the International Court of Justice to order Myanmar’s leadership to immediately and completely cease all ongoing oppression, persecution, and discriminatory practices against the remaining Rohingya population in Myanmar, and to comply fully with its obligations under international law.
Rohingya are an indigenous people of Arakan who have lived in the region for thousands of years, with deep historical, cultural, and social roots in the land. As such, they possess an inherent and inalienable right to their homeland. ARNC firmly asserts that all Rohingya who were forcibly displaced must be allowed to return voluntarily, safely, with full dignity, equal citizenship rights, security guarantees, and access to justice. Any durable solution must recognize the Rohingya as a native people of Arakan and ensure their fundamental rights in accordance with international law.
The Rohingya people have endured decades of systematic violence, displacement, and denial of their fundamental rights. This ICJ case represents not only a pursuit of justice for past crimes, but also a critical step toward preventing further atrocities and ensuring accountability for the future.
The suffering of the Rohingya and that of other communities and ethnicities across Myanmar stem from the same root cause: unaccountable military rule. Justice for one does not diminish justice for others—it strengthens protection for all. ARNC is confident that justice delivered to Rohingya people will ultimately benefit and serve all the people of Myanmar.
ARNC remains steadfast in its belief that international justice can and must prevail.
For more information, please contact:
- Tun Khin: +44 78 8871 4866
- Nay San Lwin: +49 176 6213 9138
- Khairul Amin: +47 9 242 8989
