Myanmar's Genocide Case: Protests and International Legal Proceedings

Myanmar is currently facing allegations of genocide against the Rohingya minority at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The case, initiated by Gambia in November 2019, centers on accusations that Myanmar's military operations from 2016 to 2017 constituted systematic violence, mass displacement, and targeted destruction of Rohingya communities. These actions have resulted in over one million Rohingya fleeing to Bangladesh, creating the world's largest refugee settlement.

Myanmar Genocide Emergency 2026Bangladesh condemns Myanmar’s portrayal of Rohingya at genocide hearingsMyanmar nationalists protest Rohingya genocide case at UN courtMyanmar’s junta romps in 'sham election' while denying genocideThe Gambia vs Myanmar: Feminist Analysis of Rohingya Genocide Case at the ICJ

On January 27, 2026, a significant protest occurred in Yangon, where hundreds of nationalist activists and Buddhist monks rallied in support of Myanmar's defense against the genocide allegations. Protesters, including ultra-nationalist activist Win Ko Ko Latt, claimed that the accusations of ethnic cleansing were unfounded, asserting that Myanmar is a land of "loving kindness." The military junta, which has been in power since a coup in 2021, has consistently denied the allegations, framing its military actions as counter-terrorism efforts against the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army.

Myanmar nationalists protest Rohingya genocide case at UN courtBangladesh condemns Myanmar’s portrayal of Rohingya at genocide hearingsMyanmar’s junta romps in 'sham election' while denying genocideMyanmar Genocide Emergency 2026

The ICJ hearings began on January 12, 2026, and are expected to conclude on January 29. Gambia's legal team has presented extensive evidence, including testimonies from 42 witnesses, to support claims of genocide. The military's actions are characterized as a calculated attempt to destroy the Rohingya as an ethnic group, rather than legitimate responses to insurgency. However, the ICJ lacks enforcement mechanisms, and any ruling against Myanmar could be obstructed by vetoes from countries like China and Russia, which support the junta.

Myanmar’s junta romps in 'sham election' while denying genocide

Bangladesh has condemned Myanmar's portrayal of the Rohingya during the ICJ proceedings, arguing that the use of the term "Bengalis" is an attempt to delegitimize the Rohingya's historical presence in Myanmar. The Bangladeshi Foreign Ministry emphasized that the Rohingya have deep historical ties to the region and criticized Myanmar's military operations as ethnic cleansing rather than counter-terrorism.

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The Rohingya community continues to face dire conditions in Bangladesh, with nearly 900,000 individuals living in overcrowded camps. International humanitarian aid has been severely restricted, exacerbating the plight of those still in Myanmar, where starvation is reportedly being used as a weapon against the Rohingya. Genocide Watch has called for nations to prosecute Myanmar's military leaders and for Bangladesh to improve conditions for Rohingya refugees.

Myanmar Genocide Emergency 2026Bangladesh condemns Myanmar’s portrayal of Rohingya at genocide hearingsMyanmar nationalists protest Rohingya genocide case at UN courtMyanmar’s junta romps in 'sham election' while denying genocideThe Gambia vs Myanmar: Feminist Analysis of Rohingya Genocide Case at the ICJ

As the ICJ hearings conclude, the court will deliberate on the evidence presented. A ruling could take months or years, but a guilty verdict would likely increase international pressure on Myanmar, which is already viewed as a pariah state. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the Rohingya community and the broader geopolitical landscape in Southeast Asia.

Bangladesh condemns Myanmar’s portrayal of Rohingya at genocide hearings

• “We gather today for the dignity of our country, the truth for our country and for justice for our country,” — Win Ko Ko Latt, Ultra-nationalist Activist

Myanmar nationalists protest Rohingya genocide case at UN court

• “The statement emphasized that denying the Rohingya their right to self-identification represents a fundamental effort to destroy the community by expelling them from Rakhine State and rendering them stateless.” — Bangladeshi Foreign Ministry Statement

Bangladesh condemns Myanmar’s portrayal of Rohingya at genocide hearings

While many nations, including the United States, have classified Myanmar's military actions as genocide, the junta continues to deny these allegations. The ICJ's ability to enforce any ruling remains uncertain, particularly given the geopolitical interests of powerful nations that may obstruct accountability measures.

What a Rohingya genocide ruling would mean for Myanmar?