Interactive Dialogue with the Head of the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar
Statement by the Delegation of the United States of America
As Delivered by Ambassador Michèle Taylor
Human Rights Council – 51st Session
Thank you, Mr. President.
Before I proceed, I want to first offer my sincere condolences to the people of the United Kingdom, especially our colleagues here today, on the loss of their remarkable Queen.
The United States reiterates its strong support for the IIMM (Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar).
I also want to highlight our deep gratitude to the members of civil society who work tirelessly to defend the human rights that the people in Myanmar have lost and deserve to regain or never had at all.
Despite sustained global attention, we are alarmed by the IIMM’s assessment that “crimes against humanity continue to be systematically committed in Myanmar,” and progress to end impunity and promote accountability remains limited.
Continued human rights abuses facing Rohingya and sustained and escalating violence affecting people across Myanmar underscore the need for and importance of the IIMM for promoting accountability and justice and deterring further atrocities.
It is critical that all member states, including Myanmar and its neighbors, cooperate with and allow access to the IIMM to carry out its mandated activities, including evidence collection and witness interviews.
The United States also supports measures by the UN Security Council to promote justice and accountability for the military’s actions in line with its mandate to promote international peace and security. In this vein, the United States would support a UN Security Council referral of the situation in Myanmar to the International Criminal Court.
Question: Mr. Koumjian, what concrete actions can the international community take to support the important work of the IIMM?
I thank you.
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