Only Truth and Accountability Can Break the Cycle of Violent Military Rule in Myanmar, Says Gambia in Final Submissions
[ICJ Report]
January 27 | Burma Independent Voice
The “stain” mentioned by the Myanmar military’s representative was caused solely by the military’s commission of genocide, and only through truth and accountability can that stain be removed, stated Gambian Justice Minister Dawda Jallow during his final submissions today, January 27.
“The representative of Myanmar, in his opening statement, claimed that a finding of responsibility for genocide would be an ‘indelible stain on Myanmar and its people.’ This is an inversion of the truth. In fact, it is the Myanmar military’s commission of genocide that created the stain, and only truth and accountability can remove it,” Justice Minister Dawda Jallow remarked during his arguments.
Gambia’s representative further emphasized that for Myanmar to break free from the cycle of violent rule by military leaders, truth and accountability are essential requirements.
“The judgment of this Court, declaring the truth about the genocide committed against the Rohingya in Myanmar and ordering appropriate reparations, will help Myanmar escape the cycle of atrocities and impunity. This cycle is currently the same cycle in which the general who oversaw the genocide is ruling the country by force,” he stated.
Additionally, the Gambian representative asserted that based on evidence from credible and authoritative sources, it is fully reliable that Myanmar committed genocide, and this matter is now in the hands of this honorable Court.
“We trust that this Court will fulfill its duty to protect the rights of the Rohingya—a protected group under the Convention—by holding Myanmar accountable for its breaches of the treaty,” he added.
He further expressed belief that as the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, this Court will bring justice through the efforts of the UN and its many agencies, honoring the commitment of the drafters of the Genocide Convention to prevent and punish the crime of genocide.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is currently hearing the case filed by The Gambia against Myanmar regarding the commission of genocide against the Rohingya. Today marked the conclusion of The Gambia’s final oral arguments. The Court will continue to hear the arguments from the Myanmar military’s side tomorrow, January 28.
