International legal framework

The mandate of the Mechanism is to collect, consolidate, preserve and analyse information, documentation and evidence regarding serious international crimes and violations of international law committed in Myanmar since 2011. As stated in the Mechanism’s Terms of Reference, the most serious international crimes and violations of international law are understood to primarily refer to the crime of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and other serious violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, as defined in relevant sources of international law.

Serious international crimes

  • For definitions of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide, see Articles 6, 7 and 8 of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court
  • For a more detailed description of the elements of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide, see the Elements of Crimes adopted by the Assembly of State Parties to the International Criminal Court

Serious violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law

  • For violations of international human rights law, see the overview by the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
  • For violations of international humanitarian law, see the overview by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)