Speaking in Geneva Human Rights CouncilNicholas Koumjian, head Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM), speak that in many cases, civilians “are not only collateral damage but also the targets of attacks.”
“Just last week, airstrikes near a night market in northern Shan state reportedly killed about a dozen people, including a pregnant woman and two children,” he said, noting aerial bombings that targeted a wedding party, refugee camps, schools and monasteries.
He added that the Mechanism has received numerous reports and testimonies relating to crimes against thousands of detainees, including torture and sexual assault.
“Victims and witnesses have described being beaten, electrocuted, strangled, and tortured by having their fingernails pulled out with pliers. There is evidence that minors and other victims of all genders have been subjected to gang rape, genital burning, and other violent crimes related to sex and gender.”
Rohingya targeted again
The situation is particularly alarming in Rakhine state, where a brutal repression of the Rohingya Muslim community by the military in 2017, resulting in exodus of nearly 750,000 members into neighboring Bangladesh.
They are once again faced with a precarious situation, caught in the crossfire between the Myanmar military and an ethnic minority armed group, the Arakan Army.
“They were directly targeted and thousands of people were forced to flee their homes,” Mr Koumjian said.
He cited a deadly drone attack on Rohingya trying to flee Myanmar.
“Dozens of bodies, mostly women and children, were scattered along the riverbank alongside luggage. The victims were clearly civilians. I can’t imagine anyone believing there was a military purpose to this attack.“ .
Downward spiral
The situation in Myanmar has deteriorated markedly since February 2021 Military Coup saw the elected government overthrown and senior leaders including President Win Myint and State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi.
Fighting also broke out in several areas between security forces and ethnic armed groups opposed to the military regime. Ethnic militias are said to have captured key towns, while armed forces have used heavy weapons, including artillery and air strikes.
It is said that thousands of people were killed and countless others were injured. Tens of thousands of homes and civilian property were destroyed or severely damaged.
It is estimated that more than 3,080,000 people have been displaced since the coup, and another 68,000 have fled across borders to seek refuge.according to the UN refugee agency, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
We will follow up on the evidence.
Mr. Koumjian emphasized that IIMM “will pursue evidence wherever it leads” to ensure that those responsible for the attack are held accountable.
“What is happening today in Rakhine State and across the country is the result of decades of impunity. When crime goes unpunished, it only encourages more criminal behavior,” he said.
To that end, the Mechanism has shared its evidence and analysis with prosecution authorities in relation to crimes against the Rohingya in International Criminal Court (ICC), the International Court of Justice (International Court of Justice) and in Argentina.
Despite progress, IIMM also faces a number of challenges, including not being able to access crime scenes or witnesses inside Myanmar, he added.
Independent mechanism
The Independent Investigative Mechanism on Myanmar was established by the UN Human Rights Council in 2018 and became operational in August 2019.
It is tasked with collecting evidence of the most serious international crimes and violations of international law and preparing files for criminal prosecution, using information passed to it by Independent International Fact-Finding Mission about Myanmar
The institution consists of impartial and experienced professional and administrative staff. It does not have its own police force, nor does it have its own prosecutors or judges.
