The Maldives has submitted its detailed written observations to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Friday in the ongoing case brought by The Gambia against Myanmar, addressing the alleged genocide against the Rohingya Muslim population.

The case, initiated by The Gambia on November 11, 2019, accuses Myanmar’s military and state institutions of committing acts of genocide in violation of the 1948 Genocide Convention.

The Maldives announced its decision to intervene in the case in February 2020 during a United Nations Human Rights Council meeting, aligning itself with six other nations supporting The Gambia’s pursuit of justice for the Rohingya.

The ICJ granted the Maldives’ request to intervene in February last year and invited the country to present its written observations. In a press release issued today by the Attorney General’s Office, it was stated that, in line with its role as an intervening party, the Maldives' observations focus on the interpretation of key articles of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.

Specifically, it highlights the interpretation of the "Duty to Punish Genocide" under Articles 1, 4, 5, and 6 of the Convention.

The Maldives reiterated its unwavering commitment to ensuring accountability and upholding international justice.

It called for the full implementation of the Genocide Convention to prevent future atrocities and secure justice for the Rohingya population.

The Maldives has maintained a strong stance against Myanmar’s actions since 2017, severing all trade ties with the country following the brutal military crackdown on the Rohingya.

Additionally, the Maldives has consistently co-sponsored multiple resolutions at the United Nations General Assembly and the Human Rights Council in support of Rohingya rights.

In its statement, the Maldives affirmed that it will always remain steadfast in its cooperation with international efforts to seek justice for Rohingya Muslims and to implement the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.

As a consequence of Myanmar’s military operations in 2017, nearly one million Rohingya refugees continue to live in overcrowded camps in Bangladesh, facing dire humanitarian conditions.