The head of the United Nations Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM), Nicholas Koumjian, has announced ongoing collaboration with the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the case against Myanmar military chief Min Aung Hlaing and other generals. The announcement, made on November 27, follows the ICC’s filing of an application for an arrest warrant against Min Aung Hlaing for crimes against humanity targeting the Rohingya community.
Koumjian stated that the IIMM, established by the UN Human Rights Council in 2018 to collect and analyze evidence of the most serious international crimes and other violations of international law committed in Myanmar since 2011,has been closely working with the ICC prosecutor’s office by sharing extensive evidence, analysis, and witness testimonies related to crimes under investigation. Both bodies have also collaborated in interviewing several vulnerable victims of sexual violence and crimes against children.
Currently, ICC judges are reviewing the prosecutor’s submission and the evidence provided to decide whether to issue an arrest warrant. The IIMM chief stated that the application of a request to issue an arrest warrant against Myanmar’s highest-ranking military leader sends a clear message that "no one stands above the law."
This marks the first request for an arrest warrant in this case, with more likely to follow, according to the prosecutor’s office. The IIMM has pledged to continue its cooperation with the ICC investigation, providing essential data and testimonies from Rohingya survivors and other witnesses.
The IIMM chief highlighted the significant contributions of survivors, including Rohingya refugees and other witnesses who have shared their experiences. He commended their courage, emphasizing that their testimonies play a vital role in the pursuit of justice.
Additionally, the IIMM chief confirmed that the mechanism is investigating crimes related to ongoing armed conflicts in Myanmar under its mandate, underscoring its commitment to ensuring accountability for all violations of international law.
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