The United Nations’ Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM) released the Myanmar-language version of its July 14 report titled New Atrocity Incidents and New Investigative Avenues in Rakhine on August 13.
The IIMM stated that it is investigating and gathering evidence on crimes being committed against both Rakhine Buddhists and Muslims in Rakhine State.
According to the report, the IIMM has begun investigating alleged crimes committed by members of the Arakan Army (AA) — whether in uniform or civilian clothes — including summary executions of civilians suspected of being soldiers or military informants, torture, and beheadings. It is also collecting information on sexual and gender-based violence, including rape of Chin women.
Since the military coup, the IIMM has also been gathering evidence of airstrikes, drone attacks, and the burning and destruction of civilian homes, religious buildings, and hospitals carried out by the Myanmar military in Rakhine State.
The IIMM said it has compiled 37 evidence files containing information on crimes committed by the Myanmar military against Muslims and by the AA, and has shared them with the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the International Criminal Court (ICC), and Argentina’s Federal Court No. 9.
In late July, Human Rights Watch (HRW) and Fortify Rights released reports stating that the AA has imposed severe restrictions on Muslims in Rakhine and committed abuses against them. They called for the ICC to investigate the AA’s responsibility for crimes against Muslims and for violations of the laws of war by its members.
However, the AA has denied the allegations, with ULA/AA spokesperson U Khaing Thukha on August 11 dismissing them as fabricated stories. He insisted the AA has not committed crimes against Muslims.
Muslim activists have accused the AA of killing nearly 600 Muslims in Thandwe Township’s Thanyokkon village on May 2, 2024. The ULA/AA has denied the accusation, claiming the bodies were actually Myanmar military personnel.
Photo: Nicholas Koumjian, Head of the United Nations Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM).
