The Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM) has submitted evidence of grave crimes against the Rohingya and other civilians to the International Criminal Court (ICC), the International Court of Justice (ICJ), and the Federal Court of Argentina.

According to the IIMM, investigators have confirmed that Myanmar’s military is responsible for a wide range of atrocities, including unlawful detention of political opponents, systematic torture, group massacres, and sexual violence. Officials warned that ignoring these crimes would only embolden perpetrators and pave the way for further atrocities.

In Rakhine State, civilians have endured devastating airstrikes, drone attacks, extrajudicial killings, and restrictions on humanitarian aid. The Rohingya population, already one of the most persecuted minorities in the world, remains at the heart of the crisis. While many have been directly targeted by Myanmar’s military, around 150,000 Rohingya have fled across the border into Bangladesh. Other ethnic communities in the region have also been victims of the escalating violence.

The IIMM stressed that its investigations cover crimes committed by all parties to the conflict. Evidence has been collected against both the Myanmar military and armed groups, including records of unlawful detention, torture, and civilian attacks. The Arakan Army (AA), despite presenting itself as a resistance force, has also faced criticism for committing abuses, including intimidation of civilians and imposing harsh restrictions in areas under its control. Rights monitors warn that the AA risks undermining its credibility by repeating patterns of violence similar to those of the military it claims to oppose.

Despite repeated calls for peace, including ASEAN’s five-point consensus and recommendations from the UN Human Rights Council, violence continues unabated in Myanmar. The IIMM reiterated that accountability is the only way to end the cycle of impunity and to ensure justice for the victims of these ongoing crimes.

BOB Post