On 17 February 2025, Nicholas Koumjian, the Head of the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM), addressed the European Parliament, shedding light on severe human rights violations in Myanmar. The European Union has been a steadfast advocate for the IIMM, established in 2018 by the UN Human Rights Council to gather evidence of significant international crimes in Myanmar since 2011, supporting justice and accountability efforts.
The IIMM aims to compile case files for potential prosecution in courts worldwide, including the International Criminal Court (ICC). Since August 2017, violent actions by the Myanmar military have forced around 750,000 Rohingya people to flee to Bangladesh due to persecution. Following the 2021 military coup, the junta led by Min Aung Hlaing violently suppressed dissent, leading to widespread arrests and brutal treatment of opponents.
Koumjian noted that opposition to military rule is intensifying, resulting in increasing violence. As the military loses control over border areas, it has escalated its airstrikes, which have tragically led to numerous civilian casualties. The Airstrikes Report for Myanmar documented 2,155 airstrikes between June and September 2024, reflecting a concerning uptick in violence.
In Rakhine State, intense fighting continues, with the Arakan Army seizing most of the region, except the capital and southern areas. The Rohingya remain vulnerable, caught between the ongoing conflict, raising urgent questions about the delivery of humanitarian aid and the Arakan Army’s governance. Probing allegations of war crimes from all parties, IIMM must assess the situation for accountability.
Koumjian highlighted the investigative challenges faced, including a lack of access to Myanmar and reliance on brave sources willing to share information. Significant concern persists over ongoing atrocities, such as torture and targeted attacks against civilians. Despite these challenges, he holds hope that evidence preservation and international investigations will eventually lead to accountability.
There are three principal ongoing processes: the ICC investigation concerning the Rohingyas, a human rights case in Argentina, and proceedings at the International Court of Justice regarding genocide claims. These efforts signify collective international recognition of the plight of the Rohingyas and the responsibility of those in power in Myanmar. Moreover, IIMM’s work aims to illuminate rights abuses and keep the perpetrators aware that their actions are being meticulously documented, contributing crucially to broader calls for justice.
Nicholas Koumjian, head of the IIMM, discussed Myanmar’s worsening human rights situation at the European Parliament. The ongoing military crackdown has resulted in increased violence and civilian casualties since the 2021 coup. The IIMM is investigating war crimes and supporting global accountability efforts, particularly concerning the Rohingya crisis.
The conflict in Myanmar, marked by escalating violence and systemic abuses, demands urgent international attention. The IIMM’s efforts to investigate and document these atrocities underscore a commitment to justice, even amidst significant challenges. As various legal processes unfold, the hope remains for accountability and an eventual end to the suffering faced by oppressed communities, particularly the Rohingya.
Original Source: unric.org
