The Maldives has welcomed the joint statement made by Canada and the Netherlands, announcing their intention to intervene in the Case of The Gambia v Myanmar, at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives released a statement on September 4, expressing confidence that the intervention by Canada and the Netherlands will strengthen the case initiated by The Gambia, and reinforce efforts to protect and affirm the rights of the Rohingya people.
In February 2020, the Maldives announced its intention to extend its support for the efforts to seek accountability for the acts of genocide committed against the Rohingya people by intervening in the case filed at the ICJ by The Gambia, in line with the decision taken at the 14th Islamic Summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The Maldives’ decision to intervene was taken after President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and his cabinet of ministers concluded that there are strong grounds to intervene in support of the Rohingya people.
Noting the Maldives has held consultations with The Gambia in order to streamline efforts, with the common objective of obtaining justice for the Rohingya people, the foreign ministry stated the Maldives looks forward to similarly collaborating with Canada and the Netherlands.
The Maldives was the first country to announce its intention to intervene in the case at the ICJ. The foreign ministry stated the additional intervention by Canada and the Netherlands symbolises the global significance of the plight of the Rohingya people, and the collective need to protect and promote their rights.