The Gambia v. Myanmar: Myanmar appears at the International Court of Justice

The Republic of the Union of Myanmar is appearing before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the merits hearing of “The Gambia v. Myanmar” showing thus its respect for international law and the judicial role of the Court.

Being a responsible member of the international community and a State party to the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, Myanmar has maintained a sincere intention to cooperate with the Court in good faith since the initiation of this case in November 2019.

Myanmar has participated in all stages of the proceedings, following every order of the court and engaging constructively with the judicial process. Myanmar has also taken steps to fully comply with the provisional measures indicated by the Court and has submitted periodic reports as required.

These proceedings are of the outmost importance for Myanmar, which has been accused of one of the gravest violations of international law. It is the duty of the Government to defend the honour of the country and its people and to show to the Court and to the world that biased reports, based on unreliable evidence, cannot make up for truth.

Myanmar places its confidence in the wisdom, independence, and impartiality of the International Court of Justice. We trust the Court will assess the evidence fairly and objectively, and reach its judgment based on fact and settled law strictly within the legal framework of the Genocide Convention.

Starting this Friday, 16th January 2026 – after The Gambia’s first round presentation – Myanmar will present to the Court the many reasons why the allegations made by The Gambia are flawed and unfounded in fact and law. During the proceedings, Myanmar will refrain from arguing the case in public outside the Court, in particular before the international media.

While expectations are high, it is important to protect the integrity of the judicial proceedings from any outside pressure or interference. In parallel with this Court process, the Government of Myanmar is discharging its state responsibilities and duties by continuing to cooperate with Bangladesh and other international partners on humanitarian and displacement-related issues in northern Rakhine State.

It will continue to do so, despite the difficult situation in northern Rakhine State. In this context, Myanmar is committed to achieving the repatriation of the persons who were displaced from Rakhine State and are currently living in camps in Bangladesh. A bilateral agreement with Bangladesh was concluded for that purpose. Myanmar has also held discussions with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees on matters relating to the repatriation of displaced persons from Rakhine State, including cooperation under the tripartite Memorandum of Understanding with UNDP and UNHCR, and practical arrangements to facilitate safe, voluntary, and dignified returns where conditions permit. Myanmar reiterates that the “The Gambia v. Myanmar” case before the International Court of Justice is a State-to-State legal process concerning the application and interpretation of an international treaty, the Genocide Convention, and is not a forum for political accusations. Myanmar will address the allegations before the Court in a systematic, factual, and legal manner. Myanmar remains committed to engaging with the Court respectfully and in good faith, and to upholding the rule of law in the international legal order.