Oral Hearing Continued: Oral Hearing on the case, The Gambia v. Myanmar

The oral hearing regarding the case between the Gambia and Myanmar has been taking place at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, Netherlands, from January 12 to 29. On the second day, the hearing continued on January 13 at 3 p.m.

During the second day of the hearing, lawyers from The Gambia submitted allegations that in northern Rakhine State, the Tatmadaw conducted what they referred to as "clearance operations" with the intent to commit genocide against the Bengali people. They further alleged that in carrying out these actions, not only the Border Guard Police and civilian militias but also Rakhine people were involved. They cited statements from what they claimed were fabricated Bengali witnesses to assert that such intent existed.

Regarding the Myanmar's appearing before the ICJ, the Myanmar Narrative Think Tank organized the talks with the theme: “Protecting the Union’s Dignity”.

Chairman, Myanmar Narrative Think Tank, Ko Ko said " The ongoing legal proceedings at the ICJ are profound national importance, as they concern all Myanmar citizens whom the State represents on the global stage. Myanmar has maintained sincere intention to cooperate with the ICJ in good faith and submitted necessary periodic reports to protect the honor and dignity of the country and its people."

He added that in previous legal proceedings, Gambia presented genocide allegations against Myanmar based on biased reports, unreliable evidence which cannot make up for truth. In this stage, Myanmar will present to the ICJ why the Gambia’s allegations are flawed and unfounded in fact and law. The importance of ongoing legal proceeding is to protect country’s dignity while standing firmly on the side of justice and truth.

Chairman, Myanmar Narrative Think Tank, Ko Ko said " In this case, there are different parties that speak out for the truth and another side that turns the mistakes into truth, omitting as the truth on the international stage. Regarding the public hearings at the court, we hope 15 judges will reach judgment based on fact and settled law strictly within the legal framework with their professionalism, ethics and wisdom. Nowadays, political agenda is placed at the forefront in the  global stage. However, Myanmar remains committed to protect its sovereignty and dignity. As the saying goes “Unity is Strength”, I would like to stress the efforts of unity among the People, the Tatmadaw, the  Hluttaw and Government, we can move forward a strong, friendly and united nation in the global community. "  

It has been reported that on the third day, The Gambia will present the first round of its arguments from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. local time on January 14.