Summary

The present document is the third report submitted by the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar to the Human Rights Council pursuant to resolution 39/2 of 27 September 2018, in which the Council established the Mechanism. The report covers activities from 8 July 2020 (the date of the previous report to the Council) to 15 June 2021.

The Mechanism has laid a strong foundation for its work since it became operational on 30 August 2019. Surmounting operational challenges arising from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and restrictions owing to liquidity constraints, it has reached a critical level of functionality and built a team and infrastructure capable of effectively and efficiently implementing its complex and technical mandate. The Mechanism has established a secure and sophisticated electronically stored information management system to electronically collect, preserve, process and analyse evidence; significantly expanded its collection of information and evidence using specialized and the most up-to-date technological tools; engaged in outreach to key stakeholders; and recruited personnel with a diverse range of expertise and specializations. To address ongoing challenges and new circumstances, the Mechanism adopted alternative measures and innovations, making use of technology, creative strategies and flexible work arrangements.

Within the scope of its mandate, the Mechanism has been closely monitoring the situation in Myanmar following the military’s seizure of power on 1 February 2021, particularly reports of widespread instances of arbitrary arrest, torture, enforced disappearance, extrajudicial killing and use of force against peaceful protestors. While adjustments to planned activities have been necessary in order to cope with the consequent influx of information and rapidly evolving events, the Mechanism has continued to make progress in collecting evidence relating to earlier events. It has ensured that its resources and capacities continue to be used strategically to advance investigations on all priority situations, including information regarding the situation of the Rohingya population and other situations throughout Myanmar. This is in line with the Mechanism’s commitment to its core principles of independence and impartiality, pursuing all situations, incidents,
persons and entities within its mandate.

Building on its achievements to date, the Mechanism will continue to expand its substantive work, intensify its engagements, and bolster its operations to make it possible to bring to justice the perpetrators of the most serious international crimes in Myanmar.

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