EU Intervention – UN General Assembly 3rd Committee: Interactive dialogue on Human Rights in Burundi

Mr. Special Rapporteur,

The EU thanks the Special Rapporteur for the update and reiterates its strong support for his mandate.

The EU takes note of the progress made in terms of respect for human rights in Burundi, such as the Government's participation in the recent UPR process and the President's commitments to judicial reform. We encourage the Government to implement them.

We remain concerned by persistent allegations of acts of torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment, enforced disappearances and unjustified restrictions on fundamental freedoms by State agents, youth movements affiliated to the ruling party and rebel groups. We underline the need to ensure political pluralism in view of the coming elections.

We reiterate our call for independent and impartial investigations into all human rights violations and abuses committed in the country. The independent National Human Rights Commission must independently implement its mandate to promote and protect human rights.

The space given to civil society and media professionals remains restricted, and we condemn the government's reprisals against them. We are concerned, for example, by the sentencing of journalist Floriane Irangabiye to 10 years' imprisonment.  Concrete action in favor of human rights is needed, including implementation of the UPR recommendations.

The EU calls on the Government of Burundi to cooperate fully with the Treaty Committees, Special Procedures in general and the Special Rapporteur, in particular by allowing the latter to visit the country. Finally, we encourage the government to consider reopening the United Nations Human Rights Office in Burundi.

Mr. Special Rapporteur,

How can the international community best support Burundi’s implementation of the UPR recommendations?

Thank you