THE EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF UNION OF MYANMAR

During the 63rd session of the Human Rights Council, being held in Geneva from 7 September to 9 October 2026, an enhanced interactive dialogue on the report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the report of the so-called Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM) took place on 7 September.

Myanmar has never recognized the so-called IIMM since its inception. It is found that this mechanism itself has numerous weaknesses on legal grounds (legal shortcomings) and was established with a politically motivated objective of exerting political pressure on a sovereign state.

The IIMM originated from the so-called Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar (FFM), which was established in 2018. The FFM was created through a unilateral decision by the OHCHR without the country consent. Subsequently, based on the findings of the FFM, and under the pretext that a more robust mechanism was needed to preserve evidence, the so-called IIMM was established in 2018 pursuant to the Human Rights Council Resolution 39/2.

The Human Rights Council (HRC) is a subsidiary organ of the United Nations established by United Nations General Assembly Resolution (A/RES/60/251). The mandate of the HRC is limited to submitting a report to General Assembly consolidating resolutions adopted within a specified period, as well as recommendations for the further development of international laws in the field of human rights. It has not been vested with the legal mandate/authority to establish any legal, judicial, or investigative mechanism against a country. Therefore, the HRC Resolution 39/2 establishing the IIMM is a blatant violation of both the UN Charter and General Assembly Resolution A/RES/60/251, which established the HRC.

The IIMM is merely a consequence of targeted, one-sided, and politically motivated resolutions adopted by the HRC. The IIMM is being used as a political tool by a particular country or a group of countries or regions.

On the other hand, it is observed that there are no clear provisions regarding the duration of the IIMM’s mandate. Furthermore, its Terms of Reference (ToR) state that IIMM may, as its own discretion, accept funding from UN resources and donor countries. Such a provision could potentially lead to the misuse of funds and a lack of transparency in financial management.

Additionally, the IIMM’s annual report (A/HRC/63/19) is found, as in previous years, to be based on one-sided allegations against the Myanmar Tatmadaw, unverified and inaccurate information from opposition organizations and individuals, and inflated statistics and figures. Such misguided characterization of the situation in Myanmar could not only contribute to violence and instability but also hinder the Government’s efforts to maintain peace and stability in the country.

Regarding the alleged airstrikes and operations, counter-terrorism operations are conducted solely against military targets in accordance with Rules of Engagement (RoE). These operations respond to violent seizures of certain towns and villages by insurgents and terrorist groups to defend the State and protect public safety. The Tatmadaw exercises maximum restraint to avoid civilian harm.

Therefore, Myanmar reaffirms its strong objection to the mandate of the so-called IIMM and categorically rejects all of its publications and statements, including its Eighth Annual Report submitted to the Human Rights Council.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Nay Pyi Taw
9 September 2026