Association for Defending Victims of Terrorism – Crimes against humanity continue to be systematically committed in Myanmar, with ongoing conflicts severely impacting women and children, according to a UN report released on.
The evidence gathered to date by the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM), which is outlined in its Annual Report, indicates that sexual and gender-based crimes, including rape and other forms of sexual violence, and crimes against children have been perpetrated by members of the security forces and armed groups.
“Crimes against women and children are amongst the gravest international crimes, but they are also historically underreported and under-investigated,” said Nicholas Koumjian, Head of the Mechanism.
Since starting operations three years ago, IIMM has collected more than three million pieces of information from almost 200 sources, according to the report.
These include interview statements, documentation, videos, photographs, geospatial imagery and social media material.
The report reveals that children in Myanmar have been tortured, conscripted and arbitrarily detained, including as proxies for their parents.
“Our team has dedicated expertise to ensure targeted outreach and investigations so that these crimes can ultimately be prosecuted,” said Mr. Koumjian.
