The UN Commission of Inquiry on Burundi has presented an oral briefing on the prevailing human situation in Burundi during the 40th regular session of Human Rights Council. The commission remains very concerned over the human rights violations.
The UN Commission of Inquiry on Burundi has presented an oral briefing at the Human Rights Council
Doudou Diène, Chairman of the commission has said that the commission is the only international mechanism able to investigate in an independent, rigorous and impartial manner and establish responsibilities for the acts committed. “The government has shown no willingness to fight impunity in the country”, he said adding that Burundi government hasn’t also been engaged in an inclusive dialogue to find a way out of the political crisis that has been going on since 2015.
The COI chairman also said there can be no free and credible elections without respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. “This includes political pluralism and independent media”, said Diène. He also said a third of the population needs humanitarian aids and 56% of children are malnourished; still the financial contributions requested from Burundians are increasing. “Not to pay is to risk being abused or deprived of care and education in the country”, he said.
During the interactions, some countries such as Denmark, Ukraine, Luxembourg, Ireland…deeply regretted the continued lack of cooperation between the country and OHCHR and the complete closure of the latter. They were also very concerned about the absence of Burundi government at the 5th session of the inter-Burundian dialogue. They called upon Burundi Government to enhance cooperation with all relevant bodies, including the UN Human Rights Office and engage in constructive cooperation and inclusive dialogue in order to solve the current crisis in Burundi.
Some countries like China call upon other countries to respect Burundi sovereignty and support it for the preparation of 2020 elections. As for Tanzania representative, peace and security are matters of concern because his country shelters many Burundian refugees.
“The international community should support the voluntary repatriation of Burundian refugees,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of Burundi government, Rénovat Tabu, Permanent Representative of Burundi to the UN in Geneva has said Burundi was already moving towards the 2020 elections and that all the necessary instruments were well thought out.
“The political space is good,” he said referring to the agreement of a new political party – National Congress for Liberty-CNL.
Mr Tabu also said that Bujumbura “cannot interact with a commission that has become an instrument of provocation”.
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