Inside Geneva: Myanmar, Women and Justice

Host: Imogen Foulkes (SWI swissinfo.ch)
Episode Date: March 17, 2026

Overview

This compelling episode of Inside Geneva takes listeners into the heart of the landmark genocide case against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Focusing on the pursuit of justice for the Rohingya people—particularly women survivors—the episode explores how legal advocates, investigators, and courageous survivors are shaping international law and holding the perpetrators of mass atrocities to account. The discussion details the background of the case, the unprecedented role of women testifying at the ICJ, and the broader repercussions for international justice and gender-based violence in conflict.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Rohingya Genocide Case at the ICJ

• Background:
  • The Gambia brought a case against Myanmar to the ICJ, alleging genocide against the Rohingya Muslim minority in 2017, marked by mass killings, sexual violence, torture, and the forced expulsion of nearly a million people ([02:37], [03:19]).
• Significance:
  • First ICJ genocide case in more than a decade.
  • Unfolds during a period of skepticism towards international law and institutions ([03:19], [16:28]).
  • The decision may shape the handling of future genocide cases—including South Africa’s case against Israel ([16:28], [27:07]).

2. Firsthand Accounts of Atrocities

• Eyewitness Testimonies:
  • Chilling recounts of brutality, including infants thrown into fires, and systematic gang rape perpetrated by the Myanmar military ([01:15]-[01:56], [04:09], [08:30]).
  • Investigators like Chris Sidoti and Ilaria Charla detail their harrowing interviews with survivors, especially children and mothers ([04:49], [05:36], [07:15]).
  • Survivor Salma’s testimony personalizes the trauma and the plea for justice ([08:30], [28:37]).

3. The Role of Women in Justice Processes

• Support and Representation:

  • Antonia Mulvey and Legal Action Worldwide have mentored and accompanied Rohingya women, empowering them as survivors and advocates ([09:18]-[11:06], [13:30], [14:22]).
  • Many women, coming from restrictive patriarchal societies, overcome extraordinary barriers to testify ([14:22]).

• “The courage that they show in talking about what has happened to them... is quite inspirational. And I think we need that inspiration right now in the world that we are in and that should, should guide us.”
  – Antonia Mulvey [15:05]

4. Legal Innovation and Historical Firsts

• Groundbreaking Aspects:

  • First time in over 14 years that ICJ has heard in-person victim testimony.
  • First appearance of groups comprising women, men, and transgender survivors of sexual violence at the ICJ ([16:28]).

• Sexual Violence as Genocidal Act:

  • The case establishes organized sexual violence—particularly against women and girls of reproductive age—as central to the charge of genocide ([18:01]).
  • Legal arguments focus on the brutality, systematic nature, and intent behind mass rapes and sexual slavery ([18:01], [19:20]).
  • Testimonies are critical for demonstrating genocidal intent and pattern.

5. Broader Impacts on International Law and Precedent

• On Myanmar:

  • Potential ICJ orders: recognition and citizenship for Rohingya, restitution and compensation, investigations, and prosecutions ([20:36]).
  • Importance of a legal finding even if Myanmar initially refuses to comply ([21:36]).

• On International Justice:

  • Setting precedent for future genocide cases, notably South Africa vs. Israel ([16:28]).
  • Recognition of sexual violence as a genocidal act at the highest judicial level ([22:38]).
  • Affirmation of the continuing relevance and authority of the ICJ, despite political challenges to international justice ([24:04]).

6. The State of International Institutions

• Resilience Amid Challenges:

  • ICJ gains prominence as states bring more cases; many still accept its authority ([24:04]).
  • Call for stronger support of both international and national courts in prosecuting atrocities ([24:04]).

• “We cannot give up. In fact, you know what? We have to keep fighting harder and more strategically.”
  – Antonia Mulvey [25:20]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Chris Sidoti on hope for justice:
  “I still know that the Myanmar butchers who are responsible for what happened may never individually be brought to justice. But I certainly live in hope that one day they will.” [01:15], [27:37]

• Rohingya survivor Salma:
  “Is there no one in the world who can give us justice?” [08:30]
  “This time, we will not return without justice. May we get our justice this time.” [28:37]

• Ilaria Charla on impact:
  “I'm a mother myself... hearing the experience of mothers whose baby had been taken from their arm, from their chest while breastfeeding, throw them into the pits... It's incredible... do these stories affect you? I think they do. But it's true that... you try to embrace your job professionally the best you can.” [05:36]

• Antonia Mulvey on precedent:
  “This case is the first time in the court told us more than 14 years that you've had witnesses give in person evidence. The first time that we've had victims delegation which included men, women and transgender survivors of sexual violence. I mention all of this because all of these are firsts.” [16:28]

• Gambia Representative:
  “Many have lost faith in the promise of international law. And many are looking at this case to see if the Genocide Convention is more than just words on paper.” [26:54]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 01:15 — Chris Sidoti on the pain of listening to survivors’ accounts
• 02:26 — Antonia Mulvey affirms international law’s struggle and hope
• 03:19 — Importance & context of the ICJ Myanmar case
• 04:49 — Chris Sidoti & Ilaria Charla recall gathering evidence
• 07:15 — The importance of evidence for historical record and impetus for action
• 08:30 — Rohingya survivor Salma’s testimony at the ICJ
• 09:18 — Antonia Mulvey on her years investigating and supporting survivors
• 13:30 — Emotional and legal power of the case’s progress
• 14:22 — The courage it takes for survivors, especially women, to testify
• 16:28 — Legal precedent and impact on other genocide cases
• 18:01 — Sexual violence as a core aspect of the genocide charge
• 20:36 — Possible consequences for Myanmar if found liable
• 22:38 — Effects of recognizing sexual violence as genocide for women in conflict
• 24:04 — Discussion of the waning and waxing power of international law institutions
• 25:20 — Antonia Mulvey on personal motivation and the need for perseverance
• 26:54 — Global significance of the case for international law
• 27:37 — Chris Sidoti’s enduring hope for justice
• 28:37 — Salma’s determination to seek justice

Conclusion

Host Imogen Foulkes wraps up with a tribute to the courage of Rohingya women and the dedication of human rights advocates. The episode provides an authentic and urgent insight into the struggle for justice amid grave atrocities, highlighting both the progress and challenges in holding perpetrators to account in an increasingly complex international environment.

Next episode preview: Women in the peace process—and why they are so often sidelined, despite their crucial roles.