54th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council
Item 2: Interactive dialogue on the report of Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar
Oral statement delivered by Ahmed Adam
On behalf of Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA)
11 September 2023
Mr. President,
We welcome the report of the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar and the progress in fulfilling the mandate of the Mechanism, especially in collection of firsthand testimonial evidence, witness protection and expanding and diversifying collaboration with civil society.
We share deep concerns about the broad scope of grave international crimes being committed by the Myanmar military since February 2021. Continued impunity of the military for genocide of Rohingya, war crimes and crimes against humanity remains the root cause of the junta’s ongoing violence. Instead of advancing accountability, many States including many in this Council continue to actively facilitate the junta’s atrocities by providing aid, weapons and legitimacy and opposing the referral of Myanmar to the International Criminal Court.
We remain concerned that the Mechanism still does not have access to crimes scenes, victims and witnesses inside Myanmar. As a result, as the report indicates, the Mechanism relies significantly on civil society partners on the ground for its work. Considering that many of these partners in Myanmar are working in conflict situation, how can the Council, Member States and other stakeholders support and promote safety of those working on the ground to facilitate the Mechanism’s work?
Finally, the Human Rights Council resolution 39/2, which established the mechanism, also envisages that the mechanism shall have the capacity to document and verify information and evidence through field engagement. What additional support does the mechanism need to enhance and strengthen its field engagement beyond conducting investigative missions to refugee camps?
We call on the international community to fully cooperate with the Mechanism and ensure all necessary resources and access for the Mechanism to continue its crucial work.
Thank you
Find the PDF version of this statement here
