ICC probe urged into 'decades of crimes' in Myanmar

The UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar on Wednesday urged the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate and prosecute those responsible for possible war crimes and crime against humanity in Myanmar.

"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," Yanghee Lee told the council.

The UN expert called on the UN Human Rights Council to support efforts to investigate and prosecute at ICC those responsible for alleged crimes.

She said credible evidence exists of violations of human rights including widespread and systematic attacks by Myanmar security forces against the Rohingya Muslim community, that possibly amounted to crimes against humanity.

“I strongly recommend 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," Lee said.

"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 establishes an accountability mechanism under the auspices of the United Nations without delay," she added.

Lee also noted about "possible war crimes and crimes against humanity by security forces in the other border areas of Myanmar, including Kachin and Shan States, where ethnic populations have endured protracted conflicts since shortly after Myanmar gained independence in 1948."

Lee voiced "deep concern about the apparent inability of the UN Security Council to unite to refer the situation to the ICC, and urged the Human Rights Council, as a matter of urgency, to back her proposal to establish an international accountability mechanism."

Since Aug. 25, 2017, more than 750,000 refugees, mostly children and women, have fled Myanmar and crossed into Bangladesh after Myanmar forces launched a crackdown on the minority Muslim community, according to Amnesty International.

At least 9,400 Rohingya were killed in Rakhine from Aug. 25 to Sept. 24 last year, according to Doctors Without Borders.

In a report published recently, the humanitarian group said the deaths of 71.7 percent or 6,700 Rohingya were caused by violence. They include 730 children below the age of 5.

The Rohingya, described by the UN as the world's most persecuted people, have faced heightened fears of attack since dozens were killed in communal violence in 2012.

The UN documented mass gang rapes, killings -- including of infants and young children -- brutal beatings, and disappearances committed by security personnel.

In a report, UN investigators said such violations may have constituted crimes against humanity.