The International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism (IIIM) is mandated by the United Nations to assist in the investigation and prosecution of individuals responsible for serious international crimes, including war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide committed in Syria since March 2011. To achieve this, the IIIM collects and analyses information and evidence of such crimes. It conducts targeted investigations, prepares analytical reports, and consults with Syrian civil society organizations and victim/survivor associations to inform its work. Although the IIIM is not a court and cannot indict or prosecute individuals, it plays a crucial role by sharing information and evidence as well as its analytical work with competent jurisdictions now, and also prepares for future justice options as and when available. The IIIM was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2016, following the failure of efforts to refer the Syria situation to the International Criminal Court (ICC). The IIIM accountability model, which was unique at the time of creation, has since inspired the establishment of other accountability mechanisms.
