Collecting evidence and case building

The success of future trials depends on collecting and preserving evidence now before it is lost or destroyed and recording witness and survivor testimonies while the information is fresh.

The Mechanism collects and analyzes a range of information and evidence, such as:

  • Material from open sources, including from the internet, news, public reporting and social media.
  • Interview statements from victims, witnesses and other individuals.
  • Physical evidence, such as documentation, photographs, videos, geospatial imagery and forensic material.
  • Information received from the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar and other entities undertaking investigative, fact-finding and reporting activities.
  • Financial information and evidence, such as networks and links between individuals, corporate entities and groups of interest; weapon supply chains; and the dispossession of land, homes and businesses.

This material is stored securely and confidentially using state-of-the-art information management systems that retain the integrity of the information and ensure the appropriate chain of custody so that it can be admissible in court.

The Mechanism’s lawyers, investigators, analysts and other specialists use cutting-edge technologies and methods to analyze and cross-check the information they receive to ensure it is verified, reliable and can be used in court.

They then use this information and evidence to prepare criminal cases files on alleged perpetrators of serious international crimes. The Mechanism acts independently and impartially – it does not make distinctions based on the affiliation or official capacity of alleged perpetrators, or the racial, ethnic and religious groups of the victims.