September 9, 2024
The international community’s words are no longer enough to stop the atrocities committed by the military in Myanmar, including grave crimes and acts of terror, said Mr. Nicholas Koumjian, the head of the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM), during the 57th session of the UN Human Rights Council.
On May 21, 2024, Mr. Koumjian addressed the council, emphasizing the urgent need for more concrete action. “For years, the Human Rights Council and relevant nations have called for an end to the atrocities in Myanmar, including mass crimes committed by the military. It’s been seven years since the ethnic cleansing of Rohingya and over three years since the military coup. However, violence has escalated. Myanmar citizens are suffering, and neighboring countries are burdened with an influx of refugees. In plain terms, words alone are not enough,” he stated.
The conflict in Myanmar has intensified, with civilians facing horrific violence. Mr. Koumjian pointed out that military airstrikes have increased, leading to higher civilian casualties. “Over the past year, conflicts have continued, and various groups have committed more war crimes and crimes against humanity. Civilians are not just collateral damage—they are being targeted to spread fear. Airstrikes are becoming more severe, including bombings of a wedding in Sagaing and a monastery, as well as airstrikes on refugee camps in Kachin State and schools in Kayah, Karen, and Chin States,” he explained.
Last week, an airstrike near a night market in northern Shan State killed a dozen people, including two children and a pregnant woman. Evidence of widespread human rights violations continues to emerge, including sexual violence and gruesome crimes such as genital mutilation, Mr. Koumjian reported. “We have gathered evidence of systematic torture, including rape, electrocution, and forced genital mutilation. Victims and witnesses have reported such horrific crimes, and many have suffered physical abuse including beatings and electrocution,” he said.
In Rakhine State, drone strikes have left dozens of Rohingya dead, including women and children. He emphasized the importance of identifying those responsible for these attacks. “A video circulated last month shows a horrifying drone attack on fleeing Rohingya. Bodies, including those of women and children, were scattered along the riverbank, clearly civilians. It is hard to believe this was carried out with a legitimate military objective. We are working to investigate and hold perpetrators accountable, regardless of nationality or political allegiance,” Mr. Koumjian added.
For over a decade, crimes in Rakhine and across Myanmar have gone unpunished, he noted, contributing to today’s worsening situation. He said that the IIMM has shared over 80 files, containing more than one million pieces of evidence, with international courts such as the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice, as well as Argentina’s federal courts. Despite significant progress, challenges remain, according to Mr. Koumjian.
He concluded by calling on the members of the Human Rights Council and concerned nations to support the IIMM’s efforts and help bring an end to the cycle of impunity in Myanmar.

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