The Gambia's genocide case against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice
Background
The Gambia filed an application against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice on 11 November 2019 under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, with a request for provisional measures to protect the Rohingya.
On 22 July 2022 the Court found that it had jurisdiction under Article IX of the Convention and that the application was admissible.
Eleven states have filed declarations of intervention: Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Maldives, the Netherlands, Slovenia and the United Kingdom.
Public hearings on the merits were held at the Peace Palace from 12 to 29 January 2026, presided over by President Iwasawa, with closed sittings on 21, 22 and 23 January.
The Court's judgment on the merits is pending.
The International Court of Justice settles disputes between states, which separates it from the International Criminal Court that tries individuals.
In plain words
Provisional measures Interim orders of the International Court of Justice — Temporary orders a court issues to protect rights while a case is still being heard.
Declaration of intervention A third state's formal entry into a case — A filing by which a state that is not a party joins proceedings on the interpretation of a treaty.