A/HRC/60/18 research and development is an ongoing effort and is continuously evolving as the available technologies change at an ever-increasing pace. V. Conclusion: challenges and the way forward 70. As highlighted throughout the present report, the Mechanism continued to face a number of complex challenges, including the lack of direct access to victims and witnesses in Myanmar and other States in the region; threats to the safety and security of personnel, witnesses and interlocutors; cybersecurity threats to communications and limitations in ensuring secure access to information; and the need for adequate capacity and resources to reinforce language and translation capabilities, technological innovations and specialized expertise. These challenges have been compounded by the unprecedented liquidity crisis and austerity measures affecting the United Nations during the reporting period. 71. The liquidity crisis and the recently introduced austerity measures have affected recruitment, essential consultancies, investigative mission travel, training, and the acquisition of information technology equipment and software. Additionally, the Mechanism has only been allocated 73 per cent ($11 million) of its approved regular budget for 2025, further straining its operational capacity. Compounding these challenges, the UN80 Initiative has introduced additional cost-cutting measures, requiring the Mechanism to reduce by 20 per cent the staff positions funded by the regular budget in 2026. Such a reduction will have a particularly significant impact on the Mechanism due to its small size. These financial pressures threaten the Mechanism’s ability to sustain its critical work and to continue supporting international and national justice efforts. The Mechanism will continue to mobilize extrabudgetary funding to sustain its activities in the future and welcomes the support of diverse Member States and partners. 72. To address these multifaceted challenges and chart a path forward, the Mechanism adopted its Strategic Plan for 2025–2027, which sets out a clear vision and strategic direction for the next three years. The Plan outlines targeted goals and objectives designed to: (a) strengthen the Mechanism’s operational resilience; (b) enhance its investigative and analytical capacities; and (c) deepen engagement with stakeholders, including Member States, civil society and affected communities. It emphasizes the need to reinforce digital security and invest in technologies to manage and analyse large volumes of evidence. It also prioritizes the expanded use of collected evidence by national and international authorities by identifying possible proceedings under universal and extraterritorial jurisdiction. Protection and support for high-risk witnesses remains central, including by mobilizing Member State and organizational cooperation for their relocation through resettlement or witness protection programmes. Finally, the Strategic Plan underscores the value of inclusive partnerships to ensure sustained cooperation and resourcing. By aligning its priorities with the evolving situation in Myanmar, the Strategic Plan ensures that the Mechanism’s work remains grounded in and guided by its mandate, thereby providing a clear framework to navigate current challenges and advance accountability efforts effectively. 16 GE.25-10777