A new commission tasked with investigating alleged human rights abuses in Rakhine State has begun its work in Myanmar, and is expected to report its findings within one year. At a press conference in Nay Pyi Taw, Ms Rosario Manalo, a former diplomat in the Philippines and chair of the commission, said it would investigate alleged abuses in Rakhine State. Manalo, speaking alongside fellow commission member Mr Kenzo Oshima, said she was confident of being able to cooperate with the Myanmar government and army. Members of Myanmar’s military have said they are against international involvement in investigating the crisis. The other members of the commission are lawyer U Mya Thein, and economist U Aung Tun Thet, the latter who has been heavily involved in the government’s efforts in Rakhine State since the crisis exploded there in August last year. Meanwhile, the United States has initiated targeted sanctions against four commanders and two military units accused of being involved in the crackdown. Those sanctioned are U Aung Kyaw Zaw, Khin Maung Soe, Khin Hlaing and Thura San Lwin, as well as members of the 33^rd and 99^th light infantry divisions.