By Martin Browne / GICJ
Martin Browne and Ardya Syafhana of GICJ welcomed the update report of the Independent Investigative Mechanism on Myanmar (IIMM). They called for all states to provide real, effective financial and institutional support to provide access to witnesses, victims, and to prosecute those responsible for serious crimes and grave human rights breaches in Myanmar.
On Monday the 12th of September the IIMM delivered an update report to the Human Rights Council outlining improvements in its capacity to investigate crimes and its prioritisation of crimes committed by the military forces against civilian population following the coup in February 2021.
It has collected substantial evidence of crimes across the country including elements of genocide, unlawful executions, prolonged detentions, and forced displacement. It also highlighted how legal and political obstacles delay or deny access to vital information required for the Mechanism to be able to carry out its investigation to the highest possible international standards.
In its joint statement with Meezaan Center for Human Rights and EAFORD, Geneva International Centre for Justice (GICJ) strongly condemned the military junta’s continuing indiscriminate attacks on citizens; the authorities must uphold their previous commitment to the rule of law. The statement called on states to provide full support to provide access to witnesses and documents to allow the Mechanism to continue its work documenting the gravest crimes and to help achieve justice for victims that is lacking in their domestic system. The Mechanism should be provided the funding and resources it requires to complete its vital work in accordance with the mandate determined to achieve justice.
Neighbouring states housing refugees must take extra steps to shield these populations, particularly those providing assistance to the IIMM from attacks to prevent harm and end persecution.
Myanmar, HRC51, Human Rights Council, International Crime, genocide, UN, United Nations, Geneva, Geneva4Justice, justice, GICJ, Geneva International Centre for Justice
