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A/HRC/57/18 32. Despite the absence of investigations or proceedings in relation to post-coup crimes, the Mechanism is preparing files and analytical products on the “chapeau elements” of crimes against humanity and war crimes, which will be made available to jurisdictions that have opened or are considering opening investigations in relation to crimes committed on the territory of Myanmar. Specifically, the Mechanism is using evidence of various crimes to: (a) substantiate files in relation to specific incidents and locations; (b) develop a cross-cutting analysis demonstrating the existence of a “widespread or systematic attack against a civilian population”, which is the threshold for establishing crimes against humanity; and (c) prepare an analytical product demonstrating the intensity of armed conflicts and the level of organization of the parties to those conflicts in Myanmar, which is relevant to any determination as to whether crimes took place in the context of an armed conflict and which is required to establish the commission of war crimes. III. Progress on other areas of the Mechanism’s work A. Approaches and methodologies for collecting, analysing and managing information and evidence 33. Despite facing many challenges owing to the lack of access to crime scenes and difficulties in contacting witnesses, the Mechanism succeeded in collecting large quantities of information and evidence during the reporting period. Its approach has been to combine traditional investigative techniques with modern investigative technologies. The Mechanism has collected many different types of evidence, ranging from detailed signed statements of individuals with first-hand knowledge relevant to serious crimes, to the harvesting, verification and analysis of social media, open-source and financial information. To enable the vast quantities of data collected to be searched, analysed and utilized, the Mechanism has optimized complex and sophisticated information management technologies. In all of its collection efforts, the Mechanism seeks to ensure that a survivor/victim-centred, gendersensitive and trauma-informed approach underpins its methodologies, processes and systems, particularly in its interactions with witnesses, sources and information providers. 34. In accordance with the principles of impartiality, confidentiality and informed consent, the Mechanism applies a multifaceted approach to evidence collection, focusing on information and evidence pertaining to priority situations and incidents, contextual and overview information relevant to Myanmar and information pertaining to specific individuals, groups and structures suspected of perpetrating crimes. In accordance with its terms of reference, the Mechanism seeks both inculpatory and exculpatory information from all relevant parties regarding potential serious international crimes committed in Myanmar. 35. Through its targeted approach to requesting and receiving information and evidence, the Mechanism has collected and processed for potential sharing nearly 28 million items of information and evidence. Most of the materials have been collected through formal requests for information. To date, the Mechanism has made nearly 200 formal requests to a variety of entities and individuals, which have resulted in the collection of a vast and diverse range of information and evidence pertaining to its ongoing investigations. Such information and evidence includes documents, photographs, videos, audio material, geospatial imagery, forensic evidence, witness statements, social media posts and other open-source materials. Since beginning its work, the Mechanism has collected information and evidence from over 900 sources and information providers, including from 320 sources and information providers during the reporting period. The vast majority of the information and evidence is collected from victims, individuals and representatives of civil society organizations who, at great risk, are in the front line of efforts to gather information and evidence regarding serious international crimes committed in Myanmar. Other sources of information and evidence include national authorities, United Nations entities, international organizations, non-governmental organizations and business entities. 36. The Mechanism places great importance on the collection of first-hand, high-value witness testimony that is essential to building criminal cases. To that end, the Mechanism has continued to engage with an increasing number of victims and individuals who witnessed the 10 GE.24-11995

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Evidence of an escalation in brutal atrocities committed by Myanmar military – Myanmar Mechanism Annual Report

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Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM)

Date Published: Aug 13, 2024

Abstract: Geneva, 13 August 2024 – There is substantial evidence that brutal war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by the Myanmar military have escalated at an alarming rate across the country, according to information collected and analysed by the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (Mechanism) and detailed in its Annual Report released today.

The Report focuses on the period 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024 – a time when armed conflicts increased across Myanmar as the challenges to military rule intensified.

During this time, the Mechanism collected significant evidence of more intensive and violent war crimes, such as aerial attacks on schools, religious buildings and hospitals where there was no apparent military target, and physical mutilations against people detained during the armed conflicts, including beheadings and public displays of disfigured and sexually mutilated bodies.

“We have collected substantial evidence showing horrific levels of brutality and inhumanity across Myanmar. Many crimes have been committed with an intent to punish and induce terror in the civilian population,” said Nicholas Koumjian, Head of the Mechanism.

The Mechanism is also investigating the unlawful imprisonment, including arbitrary detention and manifestly unfair trials, of perceived opponents of the military junta. Thousands of people have been arrested and many tortured or killed in detention. There is abundant evidence of systematic torture, including severe physical and mental abuse such as beatings, electric shocks, strangulations and sleep deprivation. There is also evidence of gang rape, the burning of sexual body parts and other violent sexual and gender-based crimes committed in detention. The victims include people of all genders and ages, including children.

“No one has been held accountable for any crimes, which emboldens perpetrators and deepens the culture of impunity in the country. We are trying to break this cycle. I believe the Mechanism has made considerable progress in building criminal cases against those most responsible for these crimes,” said Koumjian.

The findings in the Report are based on information and evidence collected from more than 900 sources, including more than 400 eyewitness testimonies, and additional evidence such as photographs, videos, audio material, documents, maps, geospatial imagery, social media posts and forensic evidence.

While the vast majority of information collected by the Mechanism concerns crimes committed by the Myanmar security forces, there is also credible evidence of crimes committed by armed groups which are fighting against the military. This includes summary executions of civilians suspected of being military informers or collaborators.

While the Mechanism is working hard to investigate the high volume of crimes committed since the military takeover in February 2021, it also maintains its commitment to the investigation of earlier crimes committed against the Rohingya during the Myanmar military’s 2016 and 2017 clearance operations. In particular, the Mechanism has analysed the movements of military units, the resettlement practices and policies intended to attract the migration of non-Rohingya people to Rakhine State, and the quantities and qualities of weapons possessed by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army at the time of the clearance operations.

The Mechanism has shared these analyses, along with a vast volume of evidence, with authorities working on ongoing cases concerning the Rohingya at the International Criminal Court, the International Court of Justice and in Argentina. The Mechanism is proactively sharing evidence that may be relevant to the proceedings and is also responding to targeted requests from these authorities for specific information and analysis.

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Evidence of an escalation in brutal atrocities committed by Myanmar military – Myanmar Mechanism Annual Report

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