15 August 2026
- Myanmar has not recognized the so-called Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM) since its inception in 2018, and Resolution 39/2, which created the mechanism, was adopted by the Human Rights Council without consensus.
- The annual report of the IIMM, contained in document no. A/HRC/63/19, covering the period of 2025 to 2026, contains one-sided allegations against Myanmar’s security forces based on unverifiable and inaccurate information from opposition organizations and individuals and insurgent groups.
- Limited airstrikes have been conducted in response to violent seizures of certain towns and villages by insurgents and terrorist groups. Counter-terrorism operations solely aim at military targets where armed insurgents are located, in accordance with the Rules of Engagement (ROE), and the security forces exercise maximum restraint to avoid civilian harm.
- The armed insurgents use civilian places and infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, medical facilities, homes, and religious buildings, for military purposes such as command centres, fortifications, and ammunition storage. Although the Government of Myanmar has published such evidence many times, only one-sided accounts have been brought up in the report.
- The terrorists and insurgents have claimed the lives of over 9,800 innocent people, including 1,339 civilian administrators, between 2021 and June 2026. Their attacks aim to dismantle the Government’s administration and continue disturbing the stability and development of the country. They are also trying to apply pressure and provoke panic among the general public.
- Counter-terrorism operations have been conducted since the Government of Myanmar is responsible for protecting the lives and property of its citizens, leading to the control of the towns and villages temporarily seized by the insurgents. Residents have now returned to their places under government control, and relevant departments have been ensuring access to public services. In light of this, it clearly shows that the IIMM willfully neglects the measures taken for the protection of civilians by security forces and covers up the extreme violence and abuses committed by the terrorists and insurgent groups.
- The prejudiced nature of the press release and the report, with inaccurate accounts, has misled the international community and, therefore, Myanmar categorically rejects them and reaffirms its non-recognition of the establishment and mandate of the IIMM.
Permanent Mission of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations
GENEVA