CHRO’s Continued Advocacy at the Human Rights Council: Elevating Accountability and Justice for the Chin People

As part of its ongoing and longstanding advocacy work to leverage the United Nations human rights mechanism, the Chin Human Rights Organization (CHRO) actively engaged in the Human Rights Council (HRC) Interactive Dialogue and participated in key side events in Geneva from March 19-21, 2025. This engagement reaffirmed CHRO’s unwavering commitment to human rights and accountability, with a particular focus on the atrocities taking place in Paletwa, Chin State.

Human Rights Council Interactive Dialogue: Amplifying Voices for Justice

On March 19, CHRO made an oral intervention during the HRC Interactive Dialogue session, bringing the spotlight to the egregious human rights violations occurring in Paletwa. By utilizing its ECOSOC status, CHRO was able to elevate the voices of the Chin people, who have long been oppressed in their own homeland. This intervention not only captured the attention of governments and international organizations but also resonated deeply with both in-person and virtual audiences.

The ability to speak truth to power and demand justice for victims and survivors of these violations is critical in the fight to end impunity. CHRO’s participation served as a critical reminder that accountability must be pursued—no matter who the perpetrators are. Justice for the oppressed, for those who cannot speak for themselves, is essential to break the cycle of violence and bring lasting peace.

Side Events and CHRO-Led Panel on Accountability: A Collective Call for Justice

In addition to its formal intervention at the HRC, CHRO organized a well-attended side event on March 19. This event featured a panel discussion on accountability with the participation of key partners, including the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM), the Myanmar Accountability Project (MAP), and Legal Action Worldwide (LAW). The panel shed light on the atrocities committed in Chin State, particularly in Paletwa, and reinforced the need for strong international justice mechanisms.

The discussion emphasized that holding perpetrators accountable is not just about punishing wrongdoing but about delivering justice to the victims and survivors. It ensures that the voices of those silenced by oppression are heard, and it provides a sense of hope to those still suffering. The event further strengthened CHRO’s reputation as a leading advocate for human rights and accountability in Myanmar.

Representation at the Special Rapporteur’s Panel: Calling for Global Action

CHRO’s advocacy efforts extended to a panel organized by the UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Myanmar. During this event, CHRO made a direct appeal to the European Union (EU) and Japan to increase their support for human rights work in Myanmar. The positive feedback received from representatives of both entities signals the potential for future collaborations, further enhancing CHRO’s efforts to ensure accountability and support justice for the oppressed.

Conclusion: The Importance of Ending Impunity

CHRO’s active participation in the Human Rights Council and its side events underscores the organization’s deep commitment to ending impunity and ensuring accountability for human rights violations. Justice is not only about punishing the perpetrators but also about acknowledging the pain and suffering of the victims and survivors. It is about giving a voice to the oppressed, those who cannot speak for themselves, and ensuring that their stories are heard and acted upon. By continuing to leverage the UN human rights mechanism, CHRO remains a vital force in advocating for justice and accountability in Myanmar.