A/HRC/60/18
importance of regular consultations with national authorities and of pragmatic and flexible
approaches in advancing the more than a dozen cooperation arrangements to date with a
diverse group of Member States. Through this evaluation, the Mechanism also identified
areas for improving efficiencies, including by proactively exploring opportunities for twoway cooperation, adopting alternative or mitigating measures where lack of cooperation is
likely to persist, and improving processes for the submission of requests for assistance to
States.
47.
During the reporting period, the Mechanism also continued to rely on the support and
cooperation of United Nations entities that might have information relevant to the
Mechanism’s mandate or that could provide support in other areas of its operations. In line
with relevant Human Rights Council resolutions and with its terms of reference, the
Mechanism cooperates closely with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for
Human Rights (OHCHR) to enhance the complementarity of the respective mandates: for the
Mechanism, conducting criminal investigations into serious international crimes in Myanmar
consistent with international law standards, and for OHCHR, carrying out fact-finding,
monitoring, documentation, advocacy, and engagement with stakeholders in relation to
human rights violations in Myanmar. The exchange of information and associated
cooperation is based on a memorandum of understanding between the Mechanism and
OHCHR. Fully cognizant of the challenging operational environment that the United Nations
system is currently facing in Myanmar, the Mechanism highly values the continued
cooperation and support of many other United Nations actors.
B.
Dialogue with civil society and public outreach
48.
The Mechanism believes that it is critically important to inform key audiences of its
efforts to collect evidence and end impunity for serious crimes in Myanmar. It is essential
that victims are aware that efforts are being made to document their experiences and bring
some measure of justice for those who have suffered these crimes. It is equally critical that
potential perpetrators know that evidence is being collected and efforts are being made to
ensure that those responsible will one day be held to account. Consequently, the Mechanism
undertakes significant efforts to actively engage with individuals and organizations through
diverse channels, ensuring that stakeholders have a clear understanding of its complex
mandate, its operational methods and the scope of its capabilities and limitations. By
fostering outreach and dialogue, the Mechanism aims to strengthen trust in its role as an
independent and impartial entity while encouraging greater support and cooperation for its
investigations. During the reporting period, the Mechanism prioritized several key initiatives,
including the launch of its new website and the production of outreach materials in several
languages of Myanmar.
49.
Civil society organizations play a vital role in supporting the Mechanism, offering
valuable information, documentation, witness access and investigative leads. By engaging
with these organizations, the Mechanism not only communicates its mandate and operational
methods, but also gains valuable insights into the realities and challenges encountered by
those working on the ground.
50.
During the reporting period, the Mechanism held its third Myanmar Civil Society
Dialogue, which provided another valuable opportunity for Mechanism personnel to directly
engage with representatives of 20 civil society organizations from diverse communities, all
working towards accountability and justice for the people of Myanmar. This annual meeting
serves as an important in-person platform for fostering mutual understanding and trust and
responding to feedback on the Mechanism’s work. Many civil society participants shared the
challenges they face because of funding shortfalls, widespread trauma and increased security
risks, and made valuable suggestions on how the Mechanism could adapt its engagement
with civil society organizations to make it more effective. Before the event, 20 per cent of
civil society participants indicated that they had a clear understanding of the Mechanism’s
mandate. This increased to more than 80 per cent after the event, with all participants
indicating a willingness to cooperate with the Mechanism in the future. For many
participants, the Myanmar Civil Society Dialogue was a unique opportunity to engage with
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