But the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar has a message to send: our investigations are open and the virus will not blind us to ongoing crimes. Last month, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, Ms Yanghee Lee, warned that "While the world is occupied with the Covid-19 pandemic, the Myanmar military continues to escalate its assault in Rakhine state, targeting the civilian population." The Human Rights Council, backed by the United Nations General Assembly, has entrusted us with a challenge. We believe that an international team with experience and expertise in investigating serious international crimes can help end this cycle of impunity. The Human Rights Council has urged the government of Myanmar and all other states to cooperate fully with the mechanism.

Source: Bangkok Post May 27, 2020 23:48 UTC