UN Reports and Resolutions

2018

UN Human Rights Council Resolution 39/2 (27 September 2018)

Established the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar to collect, consolidate, preserve and analyse evidence of the most serious international crimes in Myanmar since 2011, and to prepare files to facilitate and expedite criminal proceedings.

The General Assembly welcomed the creation of the Mechanism in its Resolution 73/264 (22 December 2018).

2019

UN Human Rights Council Resolution 42/3 (26 September 2019)

Welcomed the start of the Mechanism’s work and called on the UN to ensure the necessary support and resources in terms of staffing, location and operational freedom to deliver on its mandate.

The General Assembly echoed this call and urged the Mechanism to swiftly advance its work in its Resolution 74/246 (27 December 2019).

2020

UN Human Rights Council Resolution 43/26 (22 June 2020)

Called for close and timely cooperation between the Mechanism and any future investigations by national, regional or international courts or tribunals, including the International Criminal Court or the International Court of Justice.

UN Secretary-General Report to the General Assembly 75/295 (August 2020)

“As progress is made in the work of the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar, the cooperation of Member States in the region, including, first and foremost, that of Myanmar, will be crucial to obtain access to witnesses, victims and other sources of information. That will enable the Mechanism to effectively implement its mandate, thereby contributing to accountability for serious international crimes committed in Myanmar since 2011 and to the deterrence of future crimes.”

António Guterres, UN Secretary-General
Report on the situation of human rights of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar

UN General Assembly Resolution 75/238 (31 December 2020)

Urged Myanmar to cooperate with the Mechanism by facilitating visits and granting unrestricted access throughout the country.

2021

UN Secretary-General Report to the Security Council 2021/312 (March 2021)

In his report on conflict-related sexual violence, the Secretary-General called for “immediate, full, unrestricted and unmonitored access to the territory of Myanmar” for the Mechanism.

UN Human Rights Council Resolution 46/21 (24 March 2021)

Called for those responsible for serious international crimes and human rights violations throughout Myanmar to be held accountable through criminal justice mechanisms. It called on Myanmar to grant access to the Mechanism and urged all relevant actors in the country to cooperate with the Mechanism’s mandate and protect victims and witnesses. The resolution also welcomed the Mechanism’s work, annual reports and public outreach.

UN Human Rights Council Resolution 47/1 (16 July 2021)

Welcomed the Mechanism’s work and annual reports and urged Myanmar, Member States, in particular those in the region, judicial authorities and private entities to cooperate with and assist the Mechanism and grant it unrestricted access. It also urged Myanmar to ensure that individuals can cooperate with the Mechanism without fear of reprisal, intimidation or attack.

The General Assembly echoed this call and requested the Secretary-General to assist the Mechanism’s work in Resolution 76/180 (16 December 2021).

UN Secretary-General Report to the General Assembly 76/312 (August 2021)

“Accountability for serious crimes committed in Myanmar, including against the Rohingya and other minorities, remains essential. Relevant mechanisms such as the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar can help to facilitate justice and accountability for past crimes and contribute to the deterrence of further atrocities.”

António Guterres, UN Secretary-General
Report on the situation of human rights of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar

2022

UN Human Rights Council Resolution 49/23 (1 April 2022)

Urged Myanmar and Member States to cooperate with and assist the Mechanism, grant it access to witnesses and provide confidentiality, security and support for victims and witnesses.

UN Human Rights Council Resolution 50/3 (7 July 2022)

Reiterated the call for Myanmar and Member States to cooperate with the Mechanism and for close cooperation between the Mechanism and ongoing or future investigations.

UN General Assembly Resolution 77/227 (15 December 2022)

Requested the Secretary-General to assist the Mechanism’s work by facilitating a dialogue during its seventy-eighth session.

2023

UN Human Rights Council Resolution 52/31 (4 April 2023

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. It also urged United Nations bodies to cooperate and share evidence with the Mechanism.

UN Human Rights Council Resolution 53/26 (24 July 2023

Reiterated calls for Myanmar, Member States, judicial authorities and private entities to cooperate with the Mechanism in the execution of its mandate and grant it access, including to witnesses.

UN Secretary-General Report to the General Assembly 78/278 (August 2023)

“To date, the Mechanism has engaged with over 700 partners and sources and collected and processed millions of information items, including over 200 witness statements and screening notes. In relation to crimes committed against Rohingya, the Mechanism has prepared over 100 evidence packs and analytical documents that are available for sharing.”

António Guterres, UN Secretary-General
Report on the situation of human rights of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar

UN General Assembly Resolution 78/219 (19 December 2023)

Welcomed the Mechanism’s fifth annual report. Requested the Secretary-General to assist the Mechanism’s work by facilitating a dialogue during its seventy-ninth session and to continue considering the situation of human rights in Myanmar based on the Mechanism’s reports.

UN General Assembly in session (UN Photo)