In Myanmar’s long quest for justice and accountability, victims must always be front and centre, and that is why the tireless work of CHRO is so vitally important. CHRO’s investigation and documentation initiatives allow victims of atrocity crimes to tell their truths, validate their narratives and make that transformative journey from victims of crimes to survivors, ultimately becoming advocates for themselves and their own communities. We at the Myanmar Accountability (MAP) are deeply proud of our partnership with CHRO and profoundly grateful for the exceptional work of CHRO colleagues. Our collaboration with them on universal jurisdiction cases has made a lasting impact, not only for victim communities, but also in the development of customary international law in South East Asia and also by putting the spotlight on the barbarities perpetrated by the country’s illegitimate and increasingly isolated military clique. When the story of their defeat is written, CHRO’s role in promoting accountability as part of the nationwide peaceful resistance movement will be writ large.

Chris Gunness, Director, Myanmar Accountability Project (MAP)