IIMM calls for international support at UN Human Rights Council as civil society demands justice

The Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM) expressed its appreciation to the European Union (E.U.), Czech Republic, Iceland, Maldives, Malta, South Africa, Pakistan, and Japan for their support in documenting human rights violations and holding the Myanmar military accountable during the 63rd Session of the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, on Tuesday.

Calls for legal Action and evidence collection

Addressing the Council, IIMM Head Nicholas Koumjian emphasized the imperative of upholding international legal standards against military impunity:

“War crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide cannot be tolerated. It’s not up to States to decide for sits what the law will be. We need your support,” stated Koumjian on Sept 15.

The IIMM confirmed that its growing repository of evidence—drawn from more than 1,600 sources and 750 witness testimonies—is actively being shared with international tribunals, including the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

In response, the military regime’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on September 7 rejecting the IIMM’s 2026 Annual Report and denying the mandate of lead investigator Koumjian.

Civil society demands and regional critique

During the Enhanced Interactive Dialogue and Side Events on Myanmar held in Geneva from Sept. 7-9, prominent civil society organizations—including the Chin Human Rights Organization (CHRO), the Burmese Rohingya Organisation UK (BROUK), and feminist network Sisters2Sisters—urged U.N. member states to advance concrete international legal action:

• Critique of Regional Neutrality: Thinzar Shunlei Yi, executive member of Sisters2Sisters, voiced concern over the positions of China, Russia, and select ASEAN nations, stating they use the phrase “Myanmar-led and Myanmar-owned” as a diplomatic shield to legitimize the military regime.
• Appeal for Legal Mechanisms: CHRO Executive Director Salai Za Uk Ling appealed to international bodies to open jurisdictional doors for prosecuting military leaders, stating, “We can keep knocking on doors. But eventually, someone on the other side must open them.”
• Protect the Rohingya: BROUK President Tun Khin called for action on protecting the Rohingya community in Arakan State from both the Arakan Army (AA) and the Myanmar military.