On Friday, 14th of May 2021, the Republic of the Union of Myanmar (“Myanmar”), acting through the parliamentary-designated National Unity Government (the “NUG”), instructed its legal counsel at the public international law firm Volterra Fietta to make a further series of communications to different international human rights bodies of the United Nations (“UN”) in relation to the atrocities that have been committed by the military since 1 February 2021 against the people of Myanmar and their legitimate, democratically-elected representatives. These communications conveyed to the relevant UN bodies evidence of widespread and systematic human rights abuses targeting the civilian population by the military, including torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, as well as violations of the freedoms of opinion and expression.

Following the first round of communications to the UN bodies in early April, on the 7th of April 2021, a meeting took place between the legal representatives of Myanmar (acting through the NUG) and the head of the UN Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (“IIMM”). This meeting discussed the modalities of dialogue and co-operation between Myanmar (acting through the NUG) and the IIMM in relation to the atrocities committed by the military on 1 February 2021 and thereafter. Further meetings with the IIMM were held throughout April, where the issues being discussed were advanced further. Another meeting between Myanmar (acting through the NUG) and the IIMM will take place this week to finalize the transfer of evidence to the IIMM of the widespread and systematic human rights abuses committed by the military.

H.E. Dr. Sasa

Union Minister of the Ministry of International Cooperation & NUG Spokesperson