Cooperation

The Mechanism requires the agreement and cooperation of relevant UN Member States to have full access within their territories to the witnesses, information, documents and evidence necessary to conduct its investigations.

The Mechanism therefore engages with governments at various levels to understand any concerns or sensitivities, and increase their understanding of its mandate, the nature of its activities on their territories, and the importance of their cooperation to enable its work.

CSOs are on the frontline of efforts to gather information and evidence regarding serious international crimes committed in Myanmar. They are often first on the scene of potential crimes, and frequently provide support to those most affected. They can therefore be crucial sources of information, and their cooperation with the Mechanism is highly valued.

The Mechanism engages regularly with CSOs in and outside of Myanmar and holds in-person Civil Society Dialogues, which bring CSO representatives and Mechanism personnel together to discuss key issues, build mutual trust and understanding and deepen cooperation.

As the Mechanism cannot prosecute or hold trials, it works with relevant investigative, prosecutorial and judicial bodies to pursue justice for victims and hold perpetrators accountable for serious international crimes. Its role is to share information and case files with national, regional or international tribunals or courts that have jurisdiction over these crimes and meet international law standards.

In April 2023 (resolution 52/31), the Human Rights Council urged United Nations’ bodies to cooperate with the Mechanism and called on the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, where possible, to share evidence with the Mechanism to support future prosecutions.

The Mechanism has regular contact with UN entities working on Myanmar, including the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, and others. Although the Mechanism is part of the UN, information shared with one UN entity is not automatically shared with the Mechanism.