The ICJ has allowed seven countries (Maldives, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK) to intervene in the ongoing genocide case against Myanmar brought by the Gambia. The decision was made under Article 63 of the ICJ Statute which allows states to participate in proceedings if the interpretation of a convention they are party to is in question.

The Gambia’s case alleges that Myanmar’s actions against the Rohingya ethnic group vilated the Genocide Convention. Myanmar had previously challenged The Gambia’s standing in the case, but the ICJ issued provisional measures in 2020 that ordered Myanmar to protect the Rohingya. Despite these measures however, human rights abuses against the Rohingya have reportedly continued.

The involvement of two permanent members of the UN Security Council (France and the UK) in the ICJ case could put additional pressure on Myanmar’s military leadership to address the situation.