More about the Mechanism and how it works
Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar – report to UN Human Rights Council, 2025
The Mechanism made progress in identifying perpetrators of torture and sexual violence in detention facilities. It collected evidence identifying individuals in the Myanmar security forces, affiliated militias and opposition armed groups who have perpetrated summary executions.
Aerial attacks on civilians escalated and the Mechanism intensified its investigations to identify the perpetrators. It also advanced its investigations into the destruction of Rohingya property and the appropriation of Rohingya land by the Myanmar authorities.
Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar – report to UN Human Rights Council, 2024
There is substantial evidence that brutal war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by the military have escalated at an alarming rate across the country.
The Mechanism made significant strides in its investigations into the violent suppression of protests and systematic torture in detention, including gang rape and other sexual and gender-based crimes.
It opened new lines of inquiry into the conflict between the security forces and the Arakan Army and alleged crimes against both Rohingya and Rakhine civilians.
Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar – report to UN Human Rights Council, 2023
There has been a dramatic increase in the number of incidents bearing the hallmarks of serious international crimes in Myanmar since the military coup in February 2021. Sexual and gender-based crimes during the 2016 and 2017 clearance operations against the Rohingya were so prevalent, they have become a specific area of investigation.
The Mechanism significantly increased its collection of eyewitness testimonies, and expanded its collaboration with civil society organizations, including by hosting its first Civil Society Dialogue.
Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar – report to UN Human Rights Council, 2022
Crimes against humanity and war crimes continue to be systematically committed in Myanmar, with ongoing conflicts severely impacting women, children and members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex community.
The scope of potential serious international crimes in Myanmar broadened dramatically, and the Mechanism refined and recalibrated its investigative priorities accordingly.
Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar – report to UN Human Rights Council, 2021
The Mechanism laid out its plans for strengthening and expanding its work and adjusting its activities to respond to the influx of large volumes of information following the military’s seizure of power in Myanmar in February 2021.
The Mechanism continued to make progress in collecting and analyzing evidence related to events prior to the coup. It continued to use its resources and capacities strategically to advance investigations on the situation of the Rohingya and other priority incidents in Myanmar.
Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar – report to UN Human Rights Council, 2020
The Mechanism made significant progress in its first year of work, including ramping up its operations and activities, and engaging with key stakeholders.
Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar – report to UN Human Rights Council, 2019
Established by the UN Human Rights Council in 2018, the Mechanism investigates serious international crimes committed in Myanmar since 2011. It collects, preserves and analyzes evidence, and prepares case files to share with relevant national, regional or international courts or tribunals who can use the information to prosecute perpetrators.