In the annual report published by the United Nations (UN) Myanmar Independent Investigation Mechanism, it was stated that the war crimes committed by the Myanmar military included indiscriminate or disproportionate attacks against civilians and the airstrike in the Sagaing region in April.
“There has also been an increase in mass executions of civilians and imprisoned fighters, the massive and deliberate burning of civilian houses and buildings, and in some cases the destruction of entire villages,” the report said. expression was used.
Pointing out that according to international law, military commanders are obliged to prevent and punish war crimes committed by those under their command, it was noted that failure to take reasonable measures to prevent and punish these crimes could put commanders under criminal responsibility.
Emphasis on the prevalence of crimes against Rohingya
In the report, it was evaluated that “repeatedly ignoring such crimes may show that the higher authorities intend to commit these crimes”.
It was reported that the UN Myanmar Independent Investigation Mechanism used more than 200 eyewitness statements, information, photographs, videos, audio materials, documents, maps, social media posts and forensic evidence from more than 700 sources in its investigations into international crimes committed in Myanmar.
It was noted that the mechanism continues to actively investigate the violence that led to the massive displacement of Rohingya from Myanmar in 2016 and 2017.
It was stated that the report emphasized the prevalence of sexual and gender-based crimes against Rohingya people, especially during this period.
It was stated that the mechanism also shares evidence, information and analytical reports with the International Criminal Court, the International Court of Justice and people working on the ongoing cases regarding the Rohingya people in Argentina.
“We are preparing case files”
Nicholas Koumjian, Head of the UN Myanmar Independent Investigation Mechanism, whose views are included in the report, stated that every loss of life in Myanmar is tragic, but the destruction it causes in society through bombardments and village burnings is shocking.
“Our evidence points to a dramatic increase in war crimes and crimes against humanity in the country, with widespread and systematic attacks on civilians. We are preparing case files that can be used by the courts to hold individual perpetrators accountable,” Koumjian said. used the phrase.
military coup in Myanmar
The Myanmar army seized power on February 1, 2021, after allegations of fraud were made in the 2020 general elections and there was political tension in the country.
The army had detained many officials and ruling party leaders, especially the country’s de facto leader and Foreign Minister Aung San Suu Kyi, and declared a state of emergency for a year.
Since the coup, more than 3,000 people have lost their lives, 13 thousand people have been detained and more than 10 thousand people are still in prisons. Myanmar military courts have sentenced to death for 114 political prisoners, including 2 children.