\n
<\/p>\n
Despite commitments and measures taken by the government, the human rights situation there has not changed in a substantial and sustainable way, said Fortun\u00e9 Ga\u00e9tan Zongo, who was appointed on 1 April as\u00a0Special Rapporteur\u00a0on the situation of human rights in Burundi.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is crucial and urgent to\u00a0initiate reforms and a credible and inclusive democratization process in Burundi<\/strong>\u00a0to avoid a recurrence of past cycles of violence,\u201d he\u00a0said, presenting his first report to the Human Rights Council.<\/p>\n In his report, the expert recalled the obligation of accountability since the 2015 crisis and called for deeper institutional reforms.<\/p>\n In 2015, sitting President Pierre Nkurunziza, decided to\u00a0run\u00a0for a controversial third term, sparking mass protests and a failed failed coup. Years of violent repression followed, including mass arrests, detentions, executions, torture and intimidation. Hundreds of thousands were displaced.<\/p>\n Following elections in 2020, political violence decreased, but widespread abuses continued, the UN Commission of Inquiry on Burundi reported last year.<\/p>\n The Special Rapporteur stressed that in its\u00a02018 Universal Periodic Review,\u00a0\u00a0Burundi accepted recommendations to combat impunity, and agreed to establish a transparent and fair judicial system in line with international standards.<\/p>\n Recommendations also included adopting priority measures to stop human rights violations, provide reparations, and implement the guidance of treaty bodies, special procedures and the\u00a0Commission of Inquiry on Burundi.<\/p>\n However, while noting the beginning of efforts to prosecute perpetrators of human rights violations, he expressed concern over the selective impunity in prosecuting alleged perpetrators of serious violations in favour of focusing instead on common crimes.<\/p>\n \u201cThe\u00a0few cases of complaints of serious violations have rarely resulted in impartial investigations<\/strong>, and even more rarely in the prosecution and conviction of perpetrators, which in itself is a violation of the right to an effective remedy,\u201d said Mr. Zongo.<\/p>\n Given the number of cases pending before the\u00a0Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances\u00a0and multiple reports on enforced disappearances, the Special Rapporteur recommended that Burundi ratify the\u00a0International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance\u00a0and called for concrete actions in line with relevant international legal instruments.<\/p>\n The UN expert recalled that truth commissions must not only be independent but be perceived as such by all involved, to consolidate peace and reconciliation.<\/p>\n He was disappointed by the limited progress so far of transitional justice measures, particularly regarding accountability, reparations, land restitution, together with security and justice sector reform.<\/p>\n The report cites restrictions on civic space as stumbling blocks for opposition political parties and trade unions to meet, and highlights difficulties facing human rights defenders, many of whom have fled into exile.<\/p>\n Noting that human rights organizations work in a climate of fear of reprisals, the Special Rapporteur deplored laws on foreign non-governmental organizations and press controls that limit democratic space and strengthen government control.<\/p>\n Mr. Zongo stressed that as an \u201cA status\u201d national human rights institution, the\u00a0Independent National Commission on Human Rights, is constantly working to protect and promote rights in Burundi.<\/p>\n However, he urged the Burundian authorities to guarantee its formal and material independence and provide the necessary means to implement its mandate.<\/p>\n In an effort to decrease human trafficking, the judiciary in Burundi has launched several investigations and prosecutions of alleged offences, convicted traffickers, and referred victims for assistance.<\/p>\n The country has also institutionalized anti-trafficking training for law enforcement officials, and adopted a law to regulate migration.<\/p>\n The Special Rapporteur reiterated his willingness to cooperate with the Government in protecting human rights and identifying solutions to the country\u2019s challenges.<\/p>\n He also reiterated his request to visit Burundi and interact with the relevant authorities and institutions.<\/p>\n With no financial compensation from the UN, Special Rapporteurs are appointed by the Geneva-based UN Human Rights Council to\u00a0examine and report back\u00a0on a country situation. The positions are honorary.<\/p>\n<\/div>\nSelective prosecutions<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Increase commitments<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Restricted spaces<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Human trafficking<\/strong><\/h2>\n