The evidence collected so far by Independent investigation mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM), mentioned in Annual reportindicates that sex and gender crimes, including rape and other forms of sexual violence, and crimes against children have been committed by members of security forces and armed groups. Page.
“Crimes against women and children are among the most serious international crimesbut they are also reported lacking history and have not been thoroughly investigated,” said Nicholas Koumjian, Head of Mechanisms.
Deep dive collection
Since starting operations three years ago, IIMM has collected more than three million pieces of information from nearly 200 sources, according to the report.
These include interview statements, documents, videos, photos, geospatial images, and social media materials.
The report revealed that Children in Myanmar have been tortured, enlisted, and arbitrarily detainedincluding as a proxy for their parents.
“Our team has the in-depth expertise to ensure targeted access and investigation so these criminals can ultimately be prosecuted,” said Mr. Koumjian.
Violation ‘common’
According to the publication, “there are numerous indications that since the military takeover in February 2021, crime has been committed in Myanmar on a scale and in a manner that constitutes a widespread and powerful attack.” system against civilians” and the nature of the underlying crime is also expanding.
This included the Myanmar military’s execution of four people on July 25, 2022, which was carried out after the report was prepared.
“These offenders need to know that they cannot continue to act without punishment. We are collecting and preserving the evidence so that one day they will be processed,” said Koumjian.
Rohingya
This latest analysis comes just two weeks before the fifth anniversary of clearance operations that displaced nearly a million Rohingya.
The The Rohingyas have faced systematic discrimination for decadesStatelessness and targeted violence in Myanmar’s Rakhine State. Violent attacks in 2017 forced an estimated 745,000 Rohingya, including more than 400,000 children, to flee to Bangladesh.
Most of the Rohingya who were deported or forcibly displaced at the time were still in refugee camps or internally displaced.
“Although the Rohingya have always expressed their desire to return to Myanmar safely and with dignity, this will be very difficult to achieve unless there is accountability for the atrocities committed against them, including prosecuting the individuals most responsible for those crimes,” Mr. Koumjian explained.
“The continuing plight of the Rohingya and continued violence in Myanmar illustrates the important role of the Mechanism to facilitate justice and accountability and help prevent further atrocities. “
Work hard
Meanwhile, with the consent of its information sources, IIMM is sharing relevant evidence to support international justice proceedings currently underway at International Court of Justice (ICJ) and International Criminal Court (ICC).
Mechanism created by UN Dong Nhan Quyen Association in 2018 to collect and analyze evidence on the most serious international crimes and other violations of international law committed in Myanmar since 2011.
It aims to facilitate justice and accountability by preserving and organizing evidence and preparing case files for use in future prosecutions of those responsible at national, regional and international courts.
