Report of the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar

13 September 2021

Australian Statement

Australia thanks the IIMM for its report.

We commend the IIMM’s important work collecting, preserving and analysing evidence of killings, violence and detentions, including those perpetrated in Rakhine State, and following the 1 February coup. The number of deaths, detentions and disappearances continues to rise in Myanmar, as do reports of torture, sexual violence and persecution.

We remind the Tatmadaw regime that the international community will hold it to account, including through ongoing, robust support to the IIMM. Australia urgently calls on the regime to end the violence, immediately release those arbitrarily detained, including Australian Professor Sean Turnell, and return Myanmar to the path of democracy.

Accountability for international crimes is a crucial part of any long-term and durable solution to the crisis in Myanmar. Continued impunity would likely lead to further violence and deter those displaced from returning to their homes. We thank Bangladesh for its continued generosity in hosting Rohingya refugees.

Australia has been a longstanding supporter of the IIMM. Australia continues to support its work to hold those responsible for serious international crimes in Myanmar to account.

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