By Sayar Ngaat / MPA
Myanmar’s delegation has formally requested the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to dismiss all allegations of genocide brought by The Gambia, arguing that the charges lack legal and factual merit.
Speaking on the final day of hearings in The Hague, the junta-appointed Union Minister and Agent for Myanmar, U Ko Ko Hlaing, appealed to the court to reject the accusations, including demands for reparations, which he claimed were not supported by solid evidence.
The three-week hearing has been a grueling process, with Myanmar’s legal team aggressively challenging the credibility of The Gambia’s three witnesses and questioning the interpretation of the Genocide Convention.
In his closing remarks, U Ko Ko Hlaing invoked Article 60, Paragraph 2 of the Rules of Court to request the dismissal. He expressed confidence in the court’s impartiality and vehemently denied allegations that Myanmar had violated provisional measures ordered in 2020 to protect the minority group.
The minister emphasized that the case is of critical importance to the interests of the Myanmar people and future generations, noting that the country is watching the proceedings closely.
However, the defense’s attempt to block reparations has drawn sharp criticism from rights advocates.
“Regardless of the legal arguments made in the courtroom, obtaining justice for the victims on the ground is what matters most,” a human rights activist told MPA. “The attempt to have the court reject reparations is deeply concerning for those who have already suffered so much.”
A political analyst noted that while Myanmar appeared to mount a vigorous legal defense, the outcome remains uncertain. “International courts are not driven by law alone; global political contexts and perspectives can significantly influence the verdict,” the analyst observed.
The ICJ judges have now retired to consider their ruling. The international community is closely watching for a decision that could have profound implications for Myanmar’s diplomatic standing and the pursuit of accountability.
