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EU Statement – UN General Assembly 3rd Committee: Interactive dialogue on human rights in Burundi

29.10.2025
New York

29 October 2025, New York – European Union Statement at the United Nations General Assembly 80th Session Third Committee Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Burundi, Mr Fortuné Gaetan ZONGO

 

Chair,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the EU and its Member States. The EU thanks the Special Rapporteur for his work and supports his mandate, which was just renewed by the Human Rights Council. We continue to call on Burundi to engage constructively with the Special Rapporteur and grant him full and unhindered access.

The situation of human rights in Burundi remains worrying, as depicted in the report. Violations and abuses still take place: arbitrary arrests and detention, enforced disappearances – including of political opponents –, alleged acts of torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment, as well as severe restrictions to the rights to freedom of expression, to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association.  

The electoral period started this year and will culminate with the Presidential election in 2027. The EU noted with concerns the intimidation of opponents and targeted violence against activists that occurred during the legislative elections in June 2025, as well as the lack of pluralism in the new National Assembly. 

The report also highlights the heightened risks of impunity, marginalization of critical voices, and restrictions on civil liberties. The lack of judicial independence calls for substantial reforms to bring justice closer to the people, while governance of the National Independent Human Rights Commission needs to be strengthened. . 

The EU deeply regrets the persistent lack of cooperation of the authorities with the UN mechanisms. We call on Burundi to fully cooperate and to implement the recommendations of the former Commission of Inquiry and the Special Rapporteur. 

We take note of your recommendations addressed to the European Union, and will continue to strengthen our commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights in Burundi. 

Question: how can the international community prevent human rights violations in the run-up to the 2027 elections? 

Thank you.