URGENT UPDATE: Major funding cuts are jeopardizing the United Nations’ investigation into the genocide of the Rohingya people, as confirmed by Nicholas Koumjian, head of the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar. The investigation is critically under-resourced, with a funding shortfall of nearly $9 million, risking vital evidence gathering and justice for the 750,000 Rohingya who fled Myanmar.
In an alarming statement made earlier today in Geneva, Koumjian expressed deep concern that the reduced budget could send a dangerous message of impunity to perpetrators of these crimes. “It will affect the ability to convict because we lose capacity,” he stated. “That would send a message of impunity. It says to perpetrators: don’t worry about being charged.”
The UN mechanism was established by the UN Human Rights Council in 2018 to investigate serious violations of international law against the Rohingya. The situation has escalated since the military’s offensive in August 2017, which has been characterized as a textbook case of ethnic cleansing. The Myanmar military claims its actions were lawful counter-terrorism measures.
Without urgent fundraising, the mechanism is facing the suspension of critical research projects, including those focused on sexual violence and crimes against children. Koumjian emphasized that unless additional funding is secured by the end of this year, essential witness protection services could be halted. “It’s a severe strain on us to try to meet the budget with these limitations,” he added.
Currently, only 73 percent of the mechanism’s $15 million annual budget is available due to a UN liquidity crisis. The shortfall has already affected witness protection and counseling, which are crucial for individuals in life-threatening situations. “The consequence of that could be very great,” Koumjian warned.
The US State Department has announced cuts to its funding, ending two of its three grants, while other donors like Britain, Canada, and the EU have indicated potential funding lapses. Washington previously contributed $3 million to support the investigation and witness protection efforts, but these financial resources are dwindling rapidly.
The investigation’s findings are urgent and critical. Just this month, the mechanism revealed evidence of systematic torture by Myanmar security forces. In response, the Myanmar military government has maintained that it conducts “security measures” legally and denies any unlawful actions against civilians.
Koumjian’s teams have analyzed hundreds of thousands of social media posts from the 2017 campaign, uncovering 43 accounts linked to the military that were actively promoting hate speech. This finding underscores the role of the state in fomenting ethnic hatred.
As the situation develops, the international community’s response will be crucial. The implications of these funding cuts could drastically affect the ability to achieve justice for the Rohingya, whose plight continues to demand urgent global attention. The world must watch closely as the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar grapples with these challenges, aiming to hold accountable those responsible for heinous crimes against humanity.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
