UN expert urges ICC to investigate 'decades of crimes' in Myanmar

A UN official has urged the Human Rights Council to support efforts in investigating and prosecuting at the International Criminal Court those responsible for alleged crimes that have occurred for decades in Myanmar, reports UNB

The UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar Yanghee Lee made the urge while speaking at a meeting of the council in Geneva on Wednesday.

"I firmly believe that accountability for the crimes committed is the only way to end the cycles of violence faced by the people of Myanmar," Lee said.

She strongly recommended the persons allegedly responsible for the violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law be investigated and prosecuted by the ICC or a credible mechanism.

"To prepare for such credible investigation and prosecution, and in order to finally put an end to decades of such crimes and to take effective measures to bring justice, I recommend that the Council establish an accountability mechanism under the auspices of the United Nations without delay," Lee said.

Lee welcomed the recent request for a ruling on jurisdiction under Article 19(3) of the Rome Statute over the alleged forced deportation of the Rohingya people from Myanmar to Bangladesh by the ICC Prosecutor, according to a statement the news agency received from Geneva.