The International Court of Justice has started its long-awaited public hearings on the alleged genocide against the Rohingya Muslim minority in Myanmar.
The UN court in The Hague opened the hearings on Monday after years of preliminary legal arguments.
The case accuses Myanmar of violating the Genocide Convention. It was filed by the West African nation of Gambia in 2019 on behalf of a group of Islamic countries.
"It is about real people, real stories, and a real group of human beings, the Rohingya of Myanmar," said Gambian Attorney General and Justice Minister Dawda Jallow. "They have been targeted for destruction."
Myanmar's armed forces conducted a large-scale operation in the western state of Rakhine in 2017. Many people were reportedly killed. More than 700,000 fled to neighboring Bangladesh.
Myanmar denies the allegations of genocide. The former de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi had represented the country in the case, but she was ousted in a military coup in 2021. A former military officer replaced her in court when proceedings resumed in 2022.
"We want to return home," said a Rohingya survivor. "We hope the court will deliver justice. We don't want genocide to ever happen again to the Rohingya people."
The court will hear from both the Gambia and Myanmar sides, as well as witnesses and experts, over the next three weeks.

Quiz 1:
What is the main subject of the public hearings recently started by the International Court of Justice?
A. Myanmar's economic development plans
B. Alleged genocide against the Rohingya Muslim minority in Myanmar
C. Diplomatic relations between Gambia and Myanmar
D. The impact of climate change on Bangladesh

Quiz 2:
Who filed the case accusing Myanmar of violating the Genocide Convention?
A. The United Nations Security Council
B. The International Criminal Court
C. The West African nation of Gambia
D. The government of Bangladesh

Quiz 3:
What significant political event occurred in Myanmar in 2021 that affected the representation of Myanmar in this legal case?
A. A military coup ousted the former de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi
B. Myanmar joined the European Union
C. Gambia declared independence from Myanmar
D. A peace treaty was signed with neighboring Bangladesh



[Answer block]
Answers:
Quiz 1: B
Quiz 2: C
Quiz 3: A