Myanmar Mechanism advances its identification of perpetrators – Annual Report

Geneva, 12 August 2025 –

The Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (Mechanism) has made important progress in collecting evidence of crimes against people detained by the Myanmar military authorities and in establishing the identity of perpetrators of these crimes, as outlined in its Annual Report, released today.  The crimes include torture and sexual violence.

“We have uncovered significant evidence, including eyewitness testimony, showing systematic torture in Myanmar detention facilities,” said Nicholas Koumjian, Head of the Mechanism. “We have made headway in identifying the perpetrators, including the commanders who oversee these facilities, and we stand ready to support any jurisdictions willing and able to prosecute these crimes.”

The Report, which focuses on the period 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025, details the documented torture in Myanmar’s detention facilities which includes beatings, electric shocks, strangulations, gang rape, burning of sexual body parts and other forms of sexual violence. The Mechanism has made advances in identifying individuals involved in operations at specified detention facilities and the security force units to which they belong.