Myanmar responds Gambia’s demands fall outside Genocide Convention
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Phyo (NP News) - January 17
The Gambia is taking advantage of the case against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to demand arbitrary measures such as the legal use of the name 'Rohingya' and automatic citizenship, which are not related to the Genocide Convention, Union Minister for the President Office (2) U Ko Ko Hlaing has responded to the court on behalf of Myanmar.
“The Gambia objects to Myanmar’s use of the term “Rohingya” instead of the official term “Bengali,” but Gambia has not explained the reasons for its use,” the Union Minister said.
The Union Minister pointed out that the Convention on the Prevention of Genocide does not have the authority to dictate to signatory countries which groups must be granted citizenship.
“Citizenship is an individual right that depends on whether or not they meet certain criteria. Being a member of a protected group and not being eligible for citizenship are separate issues. Denying a group automatic citizenship does not mean they have no right to exist or that they want to be destroyed,” the Union Minister said.
Currently, many Bengalis in Myanmar have obtained one of three types of Myanmar citizenship.
Currently, there are nearly 50,000 holders of the National Verification Card (NVC), the first stage for applicants for citizenship in Rakhine State, but some Bengalis in northern Rakhine State are still refusing to participate in the NVC process.
The refusal was reportedly due to political reasons for the desire for automatic citizenship, pressure from activists, and misinformation that applying for NVC could result in loss of citizenship.
A total of 154,049 eligible Rohingya citizens are eligible to vote in Myanmar’s 2025 general election. 57 political parties and 4,861 candidates are competing across the country, including Rakhine State, and voting is free regardless of ethnicity or religion, demonstrating the lack of discrimination.
The Union Minister also presented before the court that Myanmar is fully prepared to accept the return of displaced people, as it did in 1978 and 1992, has held tripartite talks with Bangladesh and China, and has arranged a one-stop service for issuing NV cards and applying for citizenship.
However, the Union Minister firmly clarified that the repatriation process was delayed only due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Cyclone Mocha, and regional security instability, and not due to any destructive intent as alleged by Gambia.