A/HRC/39/CRP.2 1241. Other new infrastructure in the area includes new telecommunications antennae and a new electricity or gas line between Rathedaung and southern Buthidaung Townships. New helipads built after the beginning of violence in northern Rakhine were observed in eight locations in Maungdaw and two locations in Buthidaung townships. The destruction of evidence 1242. The mass demolition and terrain clearance throughout northern Rakhine State raise serious concerns about the potential destruction of evidence and its effect on future investigation into crimes, including the gravest crimes under international law. 2803 Many of these villages were the location of serious crimes, including Min Gyi, Myin Hlut, Kyauk Pan Du and Inn Din. 1243. Terrain clearance on this scale, without prior on site information gathering and investigation, will inevitably make it more difficult to locate crime scenes and burial sites, collect evidence for forensic analysis, and for investigators to piece together exactly what happened. The destruction of evidence also makes it more difficult for the Rohingya to bring legal claims. Moreover, the Rohingya have not been consulted, offered compensation for destroyed houses and seized lands, or given any indication they can rebuild their homes and livelihoods. 1244. This amounts to a deliberate and concerted attempt to obstruct justice. It is in violation of the State’s obligation to undertake prompt, effective and thorough, independent and impartial investigations, with a view to ensuring the prosecution and adjudication of those responsible for crimes.2804 Since it first became apparent that villages were being bulldozed and cleared, concerns have been raised. On 13 February 2018, in a meeting at the United Nations Security Council on the situation in Myanmar, the representatives of Bangladesh referred to “reports of the bulldozing and clearing of villages” and raised concerns that this will, “not only eliminate features of recognition to establish ownership rights, but would also seek to wipe out any remaining proof or evidence of alleged atrocities committed against the forcibly displaced people.”2805 2803 2804 2805 V-067, V-194. See chapter X: Impunity and accountability. S/PV.8179 307

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