Fortify Rights urges Myanmar resistance to establish war crimes investigative units

International human rights organization Fortify Rights has formally called on Myanmar’s resistance forces to establish independent war crimes investigation units to hold combatants accountable for alleged violations committed by all sides since the Feb. 1, 2021 military coup. The initiative aims to embed compliance with International Humanitarian Law (IHL) into the operational foundations of resistance forces, distinguishing opposition governance structures from the military regime’s systemic record of war crimes and atrocities. A call for impartial accountability The formal appeal follows a official letter sent on May 20 by Fortify Rights to the Interim Executive Council (IEC)—the provisional revolutionary government of Karenni State established in 2023—and the leadership of the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF). In a press release detailing the initiative, Fortify Rights highlighted that independent investigative mechanisms within resistance-controlled territories would significantly strengthen international justice efforts while establishing credible, law-based governance. “We are committed to ensuring all parties to armed conflicts understand their obligations under the laws of war,” said Peter Bouckaert, Senior Director of Fortify Rights. “We observed a serious commitment among participants in Karenni State to understanding and applying these standards.” Groundwork for federal justice in Karenni State The call builds on a series of specialized IHL workshops and legal trainings conducted in November 2025 and March 2026. Organized directly by the IEC, the training sessions brought together commanders and personnel from key armed resistance branches operating in the state: Leadership within the Karenni resistance welcomed the focus on international legal compliance, positioning the effort as central to their long-term democratic vision. “Our struggle at its very core is about bringing about a new, federally democratic Myanmar where all nationalities can live in peace and with respect for their rights,” said Khun Bedu, Vice Chairperson of the IEC and Chairperson of the KNDF. Ground realities: Conflict and mass displacement The initiative comes against the backdrop of intense, ongoing territorial contention across Karenni State’s seven townships: With an estimated 250,000 civilians forced from their homes due to regime air raids, artillery bombardments, and ground battles, the IEC currently manages an extensive network of camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs) despite severe resource constraints. Building a blueprint for post-regime governance Human rights advocates emphasize that establishing independent mechanisms to investigate offenses—including those potentially committed by resistance fighters—sets a critical precedent for Myanmar’s future legal framework. “The Karenni IEC government is serious about building a future federal democratic Myanmar that reflects the aspirations of the people,” Bouckaert concluded, adding that impartial internal oversight is a crucial step toward securing international trust and formal recognition.