Statement of Nicholas Koumjian, Head of the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar, on the reports of violence in Myanmar

11 February 2021

The Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar is closely following recent incidents related to the military’s seizure of power in Myanmar, including reports regarding the use of lethal force against peaceful protesters and the detention of political leaders, members of civil society and protesters.

The Myanmar Mechanism is mandated to collect evidence of “the most serious international crimes and violations of international law committed in Myanmar since 2011”. Such violations include serious human rights violations. The Myanmar Mechanism is also mandated to prepare case files for national, regional or international courts so that persons who are responsible can be held to account. The mandate is ongoing and continues to cover all such crimes and violations of international law committed in the territory of Myanmar.

Issues related to constitutional processes, elections and democracy are not within the scope of the Myanmar Mechanism’s work. However, wherever we see indications that serious international crimes or violations of international law have been or are being committed, we will fulfill our mandate, and collect evidence and build criminal case files to hold to account those individuals responsible.