Burundi
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Burundi: Disappearances and detentions continue ahead of May elections
Statement at the 43rd Session of the UN Human Rights Council during Interactive Dialogue with the UN Commission of Inquiry on Burundi
Watch us deliver our statement below:CIVICUS and independent Burundian civil society organisations welcome the important work of the Commission of Inquiry, and thank the Commission for its update, despite the government of Burundi’s continued refusal to grant access to the country.
Just months before general elections set for May, the human rights and security situation remains perilous. Forced disappearances and arbitrary detentions of opponents and other dissenting voices continue unabated. In January 2020, Jacques Nibigira, Gilbert Ndayishimiye, Eslon Nshinyabigoye and Juma were arrested by the Burundian Intelligence Service. Their whereabouts remain unknown. In October 2019, journalists Christine Kamikazi, Agnès Ndirubusa, Égide Harerimana and Térence were arbitrarily arrested while investigating rebel activities. Human rights defender Germain Rukuki is still in jail serving a 32-year prison sentence on Trumped-up charges of “rebellion.”
On 16 January 2020, journalist Blaise Pascal Kararumiye was arrested and detained incommunicado for five days by the Governor of Karuzi province and released without any charges. Freedom of speech, access to information, and association remain restricted in Burundi. There have been violent attacks by the ruling party youth wing on members of other political parties. We are concerned that such attacks will continue as the elections approach.
We call on the government of Burundi to fully cooperate and allow access to UN Human Rights Council mechanisms, including the Commission of Inquiry, and for all UN mechanisms on peace, security and human rights to fully support the Commission’s work and recommendations. We further call on the Council to take serious heed of the Commission’s analysis of risk factors and take steps to prevent atrocities and ensure that the government of Burundi is held accountable for its human rights violations.
We ask the Commission whether it plans for the deployment of an observation mission before, during and after the upcoming elections so that election-related human rights violations can be reported on in a timely manner to help prevent the escalation of electoral violence.
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Burundi: Extend the Special Rapporteur’s mandate
Ahead of the 51st session of the UN Human Rights Council (12 September-7 October 2022), CIVICUS joins over 50 civil society organisations in calling the Permanent Representatives of Member and Observer States of the United Nations Human Rights Council to renew the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur on Burundi.
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Burundi: four journalists still in jail one year after they were arrested
Exactly one year to this day 4 journalists from the IWACU news agency were arrested and later convicted after a flawed judicial process. CIVICUS stands in solidarity with the #IWACU4 & reiterates our call for them to be released immediately https://t.co/jdoBlrFFp3 @BHRI_IDHB pic.twitter.com/Mxuy88UasD
— CIVICUS (@CIVICUSalliance) October 22, 2020- Burundian authorities should release four journalists and drop charges against them
- Journalists added to #StandAsMyWitnesscampaign calling for release of all human rights defenders
- Media freedoms and civic rights declining in Burundi
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Burundi: Human rights continue to worsen ahead of 2020 elections
42nd Session of the UN Human Rights Council
Interactive Dialogue with the Commission of Inquiry on BurundiCIVICUS and independent Burundian civil society organisations welcome the important work of the UN Commission of Inquiry on Burundi, and specifically this report which provides critical oversight of the human rights situation in the country.
As the report makes clear, the human rights situation in Burundi remains dire and continues to worsen. Sustained monitoring and reporting is vital. The civic space in Burundi is closed, with independent and critical voices, including civil society organisations and human rights defenders, particularly targeted. We remain deeply concerned that the sentencing of human rights defender Germain Rukuki was upheld by the Court of appeals in July 2019.
Burundi is scheduled to hold elections in 2020. The fragile pre-electoral context and rising political tensions are likely to give rise to further human rights violations. We are particularly alarmed by the political intolerance of the ruling party’s youth wing “Imbonerakure” of political opposition members. Offices of political opposition parties have been burned or destroyed and members of those parties arbitrarily detained.
In light of the banning of international media and unwarranted restrictions imposed on independent private media in Burundi, it is imperative that human rights violations are documented by the international community. We urge the Council to renew the Commission’s mandate to ensure continued monitoring and documentation of the human rights situation in Burundi, especially ahead of the 2020 election, as limited civic and democratic space in the country hinders independent and critical sources of information. The renewal of the Commission’s mandate would make clear that obstructionism, indifference, and threats made by the Burundi government against the UN are not rewarded.
We call on the government of Burundi to fully cooperate and allow access to UN Human Rights Council mechanisms, and we ask the Commission of Inquiry what further support they need from the Human Rights Council to continue and strengthen their work?
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Burundi: Human rights violations continue
UN Human Rights Council – 40th regular session
Interactive dialogue with the Commission of Inquiry on BurundiCIVICUS is extremely concerned that grave human rights violations in Burundi continue without any signs of abating.
The Commission of Inquiry reported in September 2018 that serious violations, including crimes against humanity, remained routine. During the May 2018 referendum, local authorities, the youth wing of the ruling party, the police and intelligence services summarily executed, abducted, detained and intimidated those who voted against the constitutional changes or those perceived to have done so. In total more than 20 people were killed in incidences related to the referendum.
The 32-year jail sentence handed to human rights defender Germain Rukuki under trumped up charges of “participating in an insurrectionist movement and breaching state security” despite repeated calls for his release from the international community is a vivid reflection of the state of human rights in Burundi. Other human rights defenders have been jailed under similar circumstances. Three representatives of the CSO – PARCEM are serving ten-year sentences after being charged with “threatening national security,” and human rights defender Nestor Nibitanga is also in detention in an unrelated case.
Mr. President, media restrictions continue as most private radio stations remain closed since 2015. The National Communication Agency suspended the broadcasting licenses of the BBC and VOA after accusing them of violating Burundi’s media laws. The activities of more than130 INGOs providing vital health and social services in Burundi were affected after they were banned in Burundi for three months in September 2018.
We call for the immediate release of all human rights defenders and urge Burundi to fully cooperate with the COI and re-open the OHCHR office.
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Burundi: la situation des droits humains continue de s'aggraver avant les élections de 2020
Conseil des droits de l'homme de l'ONU - 42ème session
Dialogue interactif avec la Commission d'enquête des Nations Unies sur le BurundiCIVICUS et les organisations indépendantes de la société civile burundaise se félicitent de l'important travail de la Commission d'enquête des Nations Unies sur le Burundi, et en particulier de ce rapport qui fournit un aperçu critique de la situation des droits humains dans le pays.
Comme l'indique clairement le rapport, la situation des droits de l'homme au Burundi reste désastreuse et continue de se dégrader. Il est essentiel d'assurer une surveillance et une communication continues de l'information. L'espace civique au Burundi est fermé, et des voix indépendantes et critiques, notamment celles des organisations de la société civile et des défenseurs des droits humains, y sont particulièrement ciblées. Nous demeurons profondément préoccupés par le fait que la condamnation du défenseur des droits humains Germain Rukuki a été confirmée par la Cour d'appel en juillet 2019.
Des élections sont prévues au Burundi en 2020. La fragilité du contexte pré-électoral et la montée des tensions politiques risquent de donner lieu à de nouvelles violations des droits humains. Nous sommes particulièrement alarmés par l'intolérance politique de la section jeunesse "Imbonerakure" du parti au pouvoir face aux membres de l'opposition. Les bureaux des partis politiques d'opposition ont été brûlés ou détruits et des membres de ces partis ont été détenus arbitrairement.
Compte tenu de l'interdiction des médias internationaux et des restrictions injustifiées imposées aux médias privés indépendants au Burundi, il est impératif que les violations des droits humains soient documentées par la communauté internationale. Nous exhortons le Conseil à renouveler le mandat de la Commission afin d'assurer une surveillance et une documentation continues de la situation des droits humains au Burundi, en particulier avant les élections de 2020, car l'espace civique et démocratique limité du pays entrave les sources d'information indépendantes et critiques. Le renouvellement du mandat de la Commission montrerait clairement que l'obstructionnisme, l'indifférence et les menaces du gouvernement burundais contre l'ONU ne sont pas récompensés.
Nous appelons le gouvernement du Burundi à coopérer pleinement et à permettre l'accès aux mécanismes du Conseil des droits de l'homme des Nations Unies, et nous demandons à la Commission d'Enquête de quel soutien supplémentaire elle a besoin de la part du Conseil des droits de l'homme afin de poursuivre et renforcer son travail.
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Burundi: les disparitions et les arrestations continuent en amont des élections de mai
Déclaration à la 43ème session de Conseil des droits de l'homme des Nations Unies durant le dialogue interactif avec la Comission d'enquête des Nations Unies sur le Burundi
CIVICUS et les organisations indépendantes de la société civile burundaise saluent le travail important de la Commission d'enquête et remercient celle-ci pour son actualisation, malgré le refus persistant du gouvernement du Burundi d'accorder l'accès au pays.
A quelques mois des élections générales prévues pour le mois de mai, la situation des droits humains et de la sécurité reste précaire. Les disparitions forcées et les détentions arbitraires d'opposants et d'autres voix dissidentes se poursuivent sans relâche. En janvier 2020, Jacques Nibigira, Gilbert Ndayishimiye, Eslon Nshinyabigoye et Juma ont été arrêtés par le service de renseignement burundais. On ignore toujours où ils se trouvent. En octobre 2019, les journalistes Christine Kamikazi, Agnès Ndirubusa, Égide Harerimana et Térence ont été arbitrairement arrêtés alors qu'ils enquêtaient sur les activités des rebelles. Le défenseur des droits humains Germain Rukuki est toujours en prison et purge une peine de 32 ans de prison sous de fausses accusations de "rébellion".
Le 16 janvier 2020, le journaliste Blaise Pascal Kararumiye a été arrêté et détenu au secret pendant cinq jours par le gouverneur de la province de Karuzi, puis libéré sans aucune charge. La liberté d'expression, l'accès à l'information et l'association restent limités au Burundi. Des membres d'autres partis politiques ont été violemment attaqués par la branche jeunesse du parti au pouvoir. Nous craignons que de telles attaques se poursuivent à l'approche des élections.
Nous demandons au gouvernement du Burundi de coopérer pleinement et de permettre l'accès aux mécanismes du Conseil des droits de l'homme des Nations unies, y compris la Commission d'enquête ; et à tous les mécanismes des Nations unies sur la paix, la sécurité et les droits de l'homme de soutenir pleinement les travaux et les recommandations de la Commission. Nous appelons en outre le Conseil à tenir sérieusement compte de l'analyse des facteurs de risque effectuée par la Commission et à prendre des mesures pour prévenir les atrocités et faire en sorte que le gouvernement du Burundi soit tenu responsable de ses violations des droits de l'homme.
Nous demandons à la Commission si elle prévoit le déploiement d'une mission d'observation avant, pendant et après les prochaines élections afin que les violations des droits de l'homme liées aux élections puissent être signalées en temps utile pour contribuer à prévenir l'escalade de la violence électorale.
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Burundi: Les violations généralisées des droits de l'homme persistent
Déclaration à la 44e session du Conseil des droits de l'homme des Nations unies
Dialogue interactif avec la Commission d'enquête des Nations unies sur le Burundi
Je vous remercie, Madame la Présidente ;
CIVICUS et les organisations indépendantes de la société civile burundaise saluent le travail important de la Commission d'enquête, et remercient la Commission pour sa mise à jour, en notant le refus continu du gouvernement du Burundi d'accorder l'accès au pays.
Nous félicitons le Burundi pour ses élections, et le nouveau président Évariste Ndayishimiye, et les nouvelles possibilités d'engagement qu'elles offrent. Toutefois, les processus électoraux ont été caractérisés par un rétrécissement de l'espace démocratique et des violations de la liberté d'expression, d'association et de réunion pacifique. Les fermetures d'Internet et les blocages des réseaux sociaux ont sapé l'accès à l'information. Nous sommes également profondément déçus par la nomination de personnes faisant l'objet de sanctions internationales pour des violations flagrantes des droits de l'homme à des postes clés du gouvernement, notamment le Premier ministre et le ministre de l'intérieur.
Nous sommes sérieusement préoccupés par le fait que les membres de la ligue des jeunes du parti au pouvoir, l'Imbonerakure, souvent avec des fonctionnaires locaux, le service national de renseignement et la police, continuent de commettre des violations généralisées des droits de l'homme, notamment des meurtres, des arrestations arbitraires, des extorsions, des passages à tabac et des intimidations, qui visent souvent les opposants politiques et leurs familles. La société civile et les médias indépendants ont été interdits, contraints de fermer ou empêchés de critiquer le gouvernement. Les journalistes qui enquêtent sur des questions de sécurité ou de droits de l'homme sont victimes d'intimidations, de surveillance et de poursuites, tandis que les médias font l'objet d'interdictions, de suspensions et de réglementations indûment restrictives qui étouffent les reportages indépendants.
Le 5 juin, la cour a rejeté l'appel des journalistes Christine Kamikazi, Agnès Ndirubusa, Égide Harerimana et Térence Mpozenzi du groupe de médias Iwacu, qui avaient été arbitrairement arrêtés alors qu'ils enquêtaient sur les activités des rebelles en octobre 2019. Ils continuent leur peine de deux ans et demi de prison.
Nous appelons le nouveau gouvernement du Burundi à coopérer pleinement avec la Commission d'enquête de l'ONU et à lui accorder l'accès nécessaire. Nous appelons également le gouvernement à libérer sans condition toutes les personnes détenues pour des raisons politiques, y compris les militants et les défenseurs des droits de l'homme.
Nous demandons à la Commission de s'engager avec le nouveau président sur les crimes perpétrés pendant la dernière présidence afin de garantir la vérité et la justice pour les victimes ; et si la Commission identifie des opportunités à la lumière de la nouvelle présidence, pour un engagement renouvelé avec le gouvernement pour la mise en œuvre de ses recommandations passées et l'amélioration des droits de l'homme dans le pays.
L'espace civique au Burundi est actuellement classé comme fermé par le CIVICUS Monitor.
Membres actuels du Conseil :
Afghanistan, Allemagne, Angola, Argentine, Arménie, Australie, Autriche, Bahamas, Bahraïn, Bangladesh, Bulgarie, Burkina Faso, Cameroun, Chili, Danemark, Erithrée, Espagne, Fidji, Inde, Indonésie, Italie, Libye, Iles Marshall, Mauritanie, Mexico, Namibie, Népal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Pays-Bas, Pérou, Philippines, Pologne, Quatar, République de Corée, République démocratique du Congo, République tchèque, Sénégal, Slovaquie, Somalie, Soudan,Togo, Ukraine, Uruguay, Venezuela
Classement de l'espace civique par le CIVICUS Monitor
OUVERT RETRECI OBSTRUE REPRIME FERME -
BURUNDI: Media restrictions review welcome, but urgent action needed
CIVICUS, Global civil society alliance, welcomes Burundi President’s decision to review restrictions on media freedoms and journalists’ rights. The decrees in review, including abolition of prison sentences, and other measures for an open and free media space must be enacted immediately. Those unjustly imprisoned must be freed immediately.
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Burundi: Political activists arrested earlier this month and journalists remain in prison since 2019
Statement at the 45th Session of the UN Human Rights Council
Interactive Dialogue with the UN Commission of Inquiry on Burundi
CIVICUS and independent Burundian civil society organisations welcome the important work of the Commission of Inquiry, and thank the Commission for its report.
We welcome that President Ndayishimiye has invited more than 300,000 refugees to return to Burundi, having previously been forced to flee the country. But despite remarks by President Ndayishimiye during his inauguration speech promising accountability and a more transparent approach to tackling human rights violations, the police, the National Intelligence Service, and members of the armed wing of the ruling CNDD-FDD party – the Imbonerakure – continue to harass and intimidate human rights defenders and activists. Several members of the new government are subject to international individual sanctions for their alleged responsibility in human rights violations in Burundi since 2015. We call for thorough and impartial investigations to end impunity.
Last week, two former military officers, Pontien Baritonda and Prime Niyongabo, were arrested by the NSI. They remain in detention without charge. 29 political activists were arrested earlier this month. Journalists Christine Kamikazi, Agnès Ndirubusa, Égide Harerimana and Térence, of Iwacu media group, remain in prison for investigating rebel activities in October 2019.
We call on the government to unconditionally release all politically motivated detainees including activists, human rights defenders and journalists and to carry out credible investigations into attacks against them. We further call on the government to lift bans on broadcasting outlets, end the use of internet disruptions to control the flow of information, and review repressive legislation.
The political transition in Burundi presents an opportunity to reset Burundi’s relationship with the UN human rights system. We ask the commission to elaborate on opportunities for renewed engagement with the government for the implementation of its findings and recommendations, particularly towards accountability.
With real opportunities for meaningful human rights progress in Burundi, we further call on the Council to renew this vital mandate at this critical time.
Civic space in Burundi is rated as Closed by the CIVICUS Monitor
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Burundi: Progress since 2020 elections, but rights abuses persist
Statement at the 46th Session of the UN Human Rights Council
Delivered by Cyriaque NibitegekaCIVICUS and independent Burundian civil society organisations welcome the important work of the Commission of Inquiry and thank the Commission for its update.
We welcome the Presidential pardon of four journalists of Iwacu media group, who were prosecuted for investigating rebel activities in the country in October 2019. We also welcome the return of about 3,000 refugees from Rwanda, having previously been forced to flee the country.
But serious human rights violations and abuses have continued since the 2020 elections, often with a view to deprive the main opposition party of opportunities to re-organise. These are mainly committed by members of the Imbonerakure youth league of the ruling party and by local officials who continue to enjoy nearly total impunity, often with participation from or tacit support of security officers.
Several recent returnees are reported missing, and the extrajudicial killings, arrests and arbitrary detentions of opposition members are far from ending. In February alone, there were at least 17 cases of extrajudicial execution, 170 cases of arbitrary detention and five cases of torture. Germain Rukuki, a human rights activist sentenced to 32 years in prison in April 2018, remains deprived of his liberty.
We call on the government to unconditionally release all politically motivated detainees including activists and human rights defenders.
The new administration in Burundi still has an opportunity to reset Burundi’s relationship with UN human rights mechanisms. We ask the commission to elaborate on opportunities for renewed engagement with the government for the implementation of its findings and recommendations, particularly towards accountability and long-term reform.
Civic space in Burundi is rated as Closed by the CIVICUS Monitor
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Burundi: Rapport du Dialogue sur la Démocratie: 17 août 2018
Dialogue sur la Démocratie organisé par l’Association des Amis de la Nature, Kampala, 17 août 2018
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Burundi: Special Rapporteur’s first report shows that patterns of human rights violations remain
Statement at the 51st Session of the UN Human Rights Council
Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Burundi
Delivered by Lisa Majumdar
Thank you, Mr President.
CIVICUS and independent Burundian civil society organisations thank the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Burundi for his first report.
The human rights situation in Burundi has continued on a downward spiral despite President Ndayishimiye’s promises to deliver justice and promote civil and political tolerance. Since President Ndayimishiye came to power, the same patterns of extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, torture and other forms of human rights violations that characterised his predecessor’s rule can be seen.
For instance, on 28 August 2022, Florine Irangabiye, a Burundian women’s rights defender, was arrested and detained in the Burundian Intelligence Bureau after her return from Rwanda, where she had been living. She is accused of espionage against Burundi. We also note with concern a statement made by the ruling party’s Secretary General in which he called on the Imbonekure to continue night patrols and to “kill any troublemakers.”
Lack of cooperation with UN human rights mechanisms has continued under this government. We call on the Burundi government to cooperate with the Special Rapporteur and grant him access to the country.
In light of the human rights situation, and of the early stage of the mandate, we urge the Council to renew the Special Rapporteur’s mandate to ensure that the human rights situation in Burundi remains under the scrutiny of the Council.
We thank you.
Civic space in Burundi is rated as "Closed" by the CIVICUS Monitor
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Burundi: The Human Rights Council should continue its scrutiny and pursue its work towards justice and accountability
To Permanent Representatives of Member and Observer States of the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council, Geneva, Switzerland
Excellencies,At the 45th session of the UN Human Rights Council (the Council) in October 2020, the Council renewed the mandate of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) on Burundi for a further year. This allowed the only independent mechanism mandated to document human rights violations and abuses, monitor, and publicly report on the situation in Burundi to continue its work. By adopting resolution 45/19, the Council recognised that changing political circumstances do not equate to human rights change, and maintained its responsibility to support victims and survivors of violations and continue working to improve the situation in the country.Ahead of the Council’s 48th session (13 September-8 October 2021), we are writing to urge your delegation to support efforts to ensure that the Council continues its scrutiny and pursues its work towards justice and accountability in Burundi. In the absence of structural improvements, and in view of the recent increase in human rights violations against persons perceived as government opponents, we consider that there is no basis, nor measurable progress, that would warrant a departure from the current approach or a failure to renew the mandate of the CoI. At the upcoming session, at minimum, the Council should adopt a resolution that reflects realities on the ground, including the following elements.First, the resolution should acknowledge that despite some improvements over the past year, the human rights situation in Burundi has not changed in a substantial or sustainable way. All the structural issues the CoI and other human rights actors have identified since 2015 remain in place. In recent months, there has been an increase in arbitrary arrests of political opponents or those perceived as such, as well as cases of torture, enforced disappearances and targeted killings, apparently reversing initial progress after the 2020 elections. Serious violations, some of which may amount to crimes against humanity, continue. Impunity remains widespread, particularly relating to the grave crimes committed in 2015 and 2016.1 Even if some human rights defenders have been released, national and international human rights organisations are still unable to operate in the country.The resolution should acknowledge that any substantive change to the Council’s consideration of Burundi’s situation is dependent on demonstrable and sustainable progress on key human rights issues of concern. The Council’s approach should rely on benchmarks designed to measure tangible progress and based on key indicators identified by the CoI.2 The Burundian Government should acknowledge existing human rights challenges explicitly and grant access to and cooperate with independent human rights mechanisms. It should also design a clear implementation plan and timeframe.Second, the Council’s approach should focus on the following core functions:(i) Continued independent documentation of violations and abuses, monitoring of, and public reporting on, the human rights situation in Burundi, with adequate resources.These functions remain essential, especially in the absence of a strong human rights movement and independent institutions in Burundi. This work should be conducted by the CoI, or a similarly independent mechanism or team of experts, who are solely focused on Burundi and use professional methodologies to collect detailed information. The mechanism or team should be mandated to establish responsibilities and identify all those suspected of criminal responsibility. To follow up on the CoI’s previous work, including on links between human rights violations and economic networks and corruption, it should engage in thorough analysis of political, social, and economic dynamics in Burundi. To do so, it requires an adequate level of expertise, resources, and staffing.(ii) Follow up to the work and recommendations of the CoI, in particular on justice and accountability.The reports and recommendations of the CoI since 2017 form a road map for reform, particularly in the area of justice and accountability. The Burundian Government has not taken meaningful steps to resume cooperation with the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) or to cooperate with regional human rights mechanisms.3 The national human rights institution, the Commission Nationale Indépendante des Droits de l’Homme du Burundi (CNIDH), lacks independence, demonstrated by its failure to investigate and report on politically motivated human rights violations, and therefore cannot be a substitute for the CoI, despite its renewed A status. Therefore, an independent mechanism or team that is also mandated to conduct substantive work on justice and accountability remains essential. In addition to documenting violations and identifying all those suspected of criminal responsibility, its work should also include recommendations on ending impunity.The CoI, which is due to present a written report to the Council at its upcoming 48th session, continues to provide critical oversight of the human rights situation in Burundi. Like its predecessor, the UN Independent Investigation on Burundi (UNIIB), it has documented gross, widespread and systematic human rights violations and abuses. The thoroughness and visibility of its work has put those suspected of criminal responsibility on notice that their conduct is being monitored and documented.Concrete and long-term improvements in the human rights situation in Burundi will not come as a result of the Council relaxing its scrutiny. Rather, continued international scrutiny and substantive work towards justice and accountability constitutes the best chance to achieve meaningful change in the country.At its 48th session, the Council should avoid sending the Burundian Government signals that would disincentivise domestic human rights reforms. The Council should ensure continued documentation, monitoring, public reporting, and public debates on Burundi’s human rights situation, with a focus on justice and accountability. It should urge the Burundian authorities to make concrete commitments to implement human rights reforms within a clear time-frame, which should be measured against specific benchmarks.We thank you for your attention to these pressing issues and stand ready to provide your delegation with further information as required.Sincerely,1. Action des Chrétiens pour l’Abolition de la Torture – Burundi (ACAT-Burundi)2. African Centre for Justice and Peace Studies (ACJPS)3. AfricanDefenders (Pan-African Human Rights Defenders Network)4. Amnesty International5. Article 20 Network6. Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA)7. Association Burundaise pour la Protection des Droits Humains et des Personnes Détenues (APRODH)8. Association des Journalistes Burundais en Exil (AJBE)9. The Burundi Human Rights Initiative (BHRI)10. Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS)11. Center for Constitutional Governance (CCG)12. Centre for Civil and Political Rights (CCPR-Centre)13. CIVICUS14. Civil Society Coalition for Monitoring the Elections (COSOME)15. Coalition Burundaise pour la Cour Pénale Internationale (CB-CPI)16. Collectif des Avocats pour la Défense des Victimes de Crimes de Droit International Commis au Burundi (CAVIB)17. DefendDefenders (East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project)18. Eritrean Movement for Democracy and Human Rights (EMDHR)19. Ethiopian Human Rights Defenders Center20. European Network for Central Africa (EurAc)21. Forum pour la Conscience et le Développement (FOCODE)22. Geneva for Human Rights / Genève pour les Droits de l’Homme23. Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect (GCR2P)24. Human Rights Watch25. INAMAHORO Movement, Women and Girls for Peace and Security26. International Commission of Jurists (ICJ)27. International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH)28. International Federation of ACAT (FIACAT)29. International Movement Against All Forms of Discrimination and Racism (IMADR)30. Lawyers’ Rights Watch Canada31. Light For All32. Ligue Iteka33. National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders – Burundi (CBDDH)34. Observatoire de la Lutte contre la Corruption et les Malversations Économiques (OLUCOME)35. Odhikar36. Organisation pour la Transparence et la Gouvernance (OTRAG)37. Protection International Africa38. Reporters Without Borders39. Réseau des Citoyens Probes (RCP)40. SOS-Torture/Burundi41. Tournons La Page42. TRIAL International43. World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT)Civic space in Burundi is rated as closed by the CIVICUS Monitor
1 In its latest oral briefing to the Council, assessing the human rights situation against specific action points identified in their September 2020 report, the CoI concluded that “the current situation in Burundi is too complex and uncertain to be referred to as genuine improvement” (Oral briefing of the Commission of Inquiry on Burundi, Human Rights Council 46th session, 11 March 2021, available here
2 See the 2020 civil society letter, available at: DefendDefenders et al., “Burundi: Vital role of the Commission of Inquiry in prompting meaningful human rights progress,” 20 August 2020 (accessed on 22 July 2021). The latest CoI report is available here3 The African Union (AU) human rights observers were never fully deployed and faced a number of serious limitations to their work. Their mission ended on 31 May 2021. Burundi never cooperated with the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) to implement its resolutions. -
Burundi: Violations of fundamental rights continue
Statement at the UN Human Rights Council – 53rd Session
Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Burundi
Delivered by Sigrid Lipott
Thank you, Mr. President,
CIVICUS and its partners in Burundi express deep concern regarding the shrinking civic space in Burundi and the government's lack of cooperation with the Special Rapporteur.
The recent arrest of human rights defenders - Sonia Ndikumasabo, Marie Emerusabe, Audace Havyarimana, Sylvana Inamahoro, and Prosper Runyange, on baseless charges of rebellion and undermining state security is a cause for concern. The continued illegal detention of Tony Germain Nkina, despite a Supreme Court ruling overturning his conviction, is a violation of his fundamental rights. Burundi must respect the court's decision and release him immediately.
We are concerned by the arrest of 24 individuals during a seminar organized by MUCO Burundi. The criminalization of individuals based on their sexual orientation is a clear violation of international human rights standards. The government must drop these charges and ensure the protection of the rights of all individuals. Furthermore, the conviction of journalist Floriane Irangabiye on charges of “undermining the integrity of national security” is a severe infringement on freedom of expression and media independence. Burundi must respect its international obligations to uphold freedom of speech and ensure the independence of the media.
CIVICUS and its partners emphasize the urgency of addressing the shrinking civic space and the threats faced by human rights defenders in Burundi. The government must protect civic space, uphold the rights of defenders, and create a safe environment for civil society organizations. Burundi must fulfil its obligations under international human rights law, halt human rights violations, and ensure accountability for those responsible.
We thank you.
Civic space in Burundi is rated as "Repressed" by the CIVICUS Monitor.
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Burundi: Widespread human rights abuses persist
Statement at the 44th Session of the UN Human Rights Council
Interactive Dialogue with the UN Commission of Inquiry on Burundi
Thank you, Madame President;
CIVICUS and independent Burundian civil society organisations welcome the important work of the Commission of Inquiry, and thank the Commission for its update, noting the continued refusal of the government of Burundi to grant access to the country.
We congratulate Burundi on its elections, and the new President Évariste Ndayishimiye, and the new opportunities this presents for engagement. However, the electoral processes were characterised by shrinking democratic space and violations of freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly. Internet shutdowns and social media blockages undermined access to information. We are also deeply disappointed with the appointment of individuals under international sanctions for gross human rights violations to key government positions, including the Prime Minister and Ministry of Home Affairs.
We are seriously concerned that members of the ruling party’s youth league, the Imbonerakure, often with local officials, the national intelligence service, and police, continue to carry out widespread human rights abuses including murders, arbitrary arrests, extortion, beatings, and intimidation, often targeting political opponents and their families. Independent civil society and media have been banned, forced to close down, or otherwise prevented from criticising the government. Journalists investigating security or human rights issues face intimidation, surveillance, and prosecution, while media outlets face bans, suspensions, and unduly restrictive regulations that stifle independent reporting.
On 5 June, the court rejected an appeal by journalists Christine Kamikazi, Agnès Ndirubusa, Égide Harerimana and Térence Mpozenzi of the Iwacu media group, who were arbitrarily arrested while investigating rebel activities in October 2019. They continue their sentence of two and half years in prison.
We call on the new government of Burundi to fully cooperate with and grant access to the UN Commission of Inquiry. We also call on the government to unconditionally release all politically motivated detentions including of activists and human rights defenders.
We ask the Commission to engage with the new President on crimes perpetrated during the last presidency to ensure truth and justice for victims; and whether the Commission identifies opportunities in light of the new presidency, for renewed engagement with the government for the implementation of its past recommendations and the improvement of human rights in the country.
Civic space in Burundi is currently rated as Closed by the CIVICUS Monitor
Current council members:
Afghanistan, Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chile, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Eritrea, Fiji, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Libya, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mexico, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, Nigeria, Poland, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Senegal, Slovakia, Somalia, Sudan, Spain, Togo, Ukraine, Uruguay, Venezuela
Civic space ratings from the CIVICUS Monitor
OPEN NARROWED OBSTRUCTED REPRESSED CLOSED -
Burundi's Adoption of Universal Periodic Review Outcome
Statement at the 54th Session of the UN Human Rights Council
Universal Periodic Review (UPR) on Human Rights -- Outcome Adoption for Burundi
Delivered by Pierre-Claver MBONIMPA , Association Burundaise pour la Protection des Droits Humains et des Personnes Détenues
Thank you, Mr President,
Association Burundaise pour la Protection des Droits Humains et des Personnes Détenues (APRODH) and CIVICUS welcome the government of Burundi’s engagement with the UPR process.
We welcome the government’s support to 25 out of 30 recommendations related to civic space made during its 4th cycle review. In particular, we welcome the government’s commitment to ending intimidation, harassment and reprisals against human rights defenders, journalists and members of the opposition and civil society.
However, we remain concerned by the ongoing restriction and repression facing civil society actors and human rights defenders in Burundi. Repression of dissident voices has had a chilling effect across Burundi, meaning many human rights defenders and journalists continue to operate in a climate of fear and self-censorship. We call on Burundi to take concrete and consistent steps to create and maintain a safe and enabling environment for civil society and human rights defenders.
We regret that Burundi has noted a number of recommendations related to civic space, in particular those related to ensuring accountability for human rights violations as well as recommendations on activities of several human rights protection associations which remain suspended or outlawed. We underscore Burundi’s obligations under international law to respect the right to freedom of association and the importance of upholding rule of law to create trust in public institutions.
APRODH and CIVICUS call on the Government of Burundi to fully implement the recommendations made during its 4th cycle and urge the international community to continue to monitor the human rights situation on the ground. We also call on Burundi to demonstrate its commitment to human rights by fully cooperating with the UN human rights system, including OHCHR, Special Procedures and UN Treaty Bodies.
We thank you.
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Burundians kept in the dark ahead of controversial referendum
By David Kode
Burundi’s President Pierre Nkurunziza has intensified his brutal campaign to stay in power by stifling international news reporting of his government’s repressive actions, events ahead of his controversial referendum to extend presidential term limits.
Read on: Pambazuka
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CIVICUS adds jailed Burundi journalist to Stand As My Witness campaign
JOHANNESBURG - Global civil society alliance CIVICUS announced on Thursday that it has added jailed Burundian journalist Floriane Irangabiye to its Stand As My Witness campaign, which advocates for the immediate release of wrongly imprisoned journalists, activists, dissidents and human rights defenders around the world.
Irangabiye joins 19 other jailed individuals featured in the campaign, including Iran’s Nobel Peace Prize-winning women’s rights activist Narges Mohammadi, leading Hong Kong activist Chow Hang-Tung and prominent Kashmiri human rights defender Khurram Parvez. So far, 25 people featured in the campaign from Nicaragua to Algeria to the Philippines have been released thanks to collective efforts by activists around the globe.
CIVICUS launched Stand As My Witness in 2020 to honor the legacy of South Africa’s former political prisoner Nelson Mandela.
“Our decision to add Florian Irangabiye to Stand As My Witness underscores the tragic and unjust nature of her imprisonment,” said Asma Darwish, CIVICUS Campaigns Officer in charge of Stand As My Witness. “We hope that bringing more attention to her case will hasten her release so she is free to be with her family and continue her life.”
SOS Torture Burundi, a Burundian human rights organisation based in Brussels, joins CIVICUS in calling on Burundi’s authorities to unconditionally free Irangabiye.
“Floriane Irangabiye’s imprisonment does not serve Burundians nor the nation of Burundi, where the authorities must guarantee freedom of the press,” said Gervais Nibigira, Managing Director of SOS Torture Burundi. “We call upon the authorities in Burundi to take a positive step and release Floriane.”
In 2019, Irangabiye co-founded "IGICANIRO," a Rwanda-based online radio station critical of Burundi’s government. On 30 August 2022, Burundi intelligence personnel arrested Irangabiye while she was in Burundi for a relative’s funeral. Authorities falsely charged her with endangering the integrity of the nation.
During her trial, the prosecutor presented no credible evidence, and the court later admitted that her initial interrogation violated proper procedures. Even so, a court convicted her on 2 January 2023 and ordered a ten year sentence, upheld on first appeal. Now, Irangabaye sits in a cell in Bubanza Prison, where her health, already compromised by a longstanding medical condition, has deteriorated further.
On 11 January 2024, Irangabiye appeared before the Supreme Court’s Appeals Chamber, where her lawyers raised the irregularities in her case. This appeal is currently under advisement.
“Burundi’s authorities should show the world that they respect principles of justice by freeing Floriane Irangabiye,” said Paul Mulindwa, Africa Advocacy Lead at CIVICUS. “We look forward to either the Supreme Court ordering her release or the President of Burundi issuing a pardon so we can all celebrate Floriane’s freedom together.”
CIVICUS is the global alliance of civil society organisations and activists dedicated to strengthening citizen action and civil society throughout the world. Established in 1993, CIVICUS has been proudly headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa since 2002 , with additional hubs across the globe. CIVICUS is a membership alliance with more than 15,000 members in more than 175 countries.
SOS Torture Burundi is an organisation committed to the fight against torture and other human rights violations, the fight against impunity, and the promotion of the rule of law in Burundi since 2015 and is headquartered in Belgium . It is a member of the SOS Torture Network of the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT).
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CIVICUS ajoute une journaliste burundaise emprisonnée à sa campagne "Stand As My Witness" (Soyez mon témoin)
JOHANNESBURG - L'alliance mondiale de la société civile CIVICUS a annoncé jeudi qu'elle avait ajouté la journaliste burundaise Floriane Irangabiye, actuellement emprisonnée, à sa campagne Stand As My Witness (Soyez mon témoin), une campagne qui plaide pour la libération immédiate des journalistes, activistes, dissidents et défenseurs des droits humains qui sont injustement emprisonnés dans le monde entier.
Irangabiye rejoint 19 autres personnes emprisonnées dans le cadre de la campagne, notamment Narges Mohammadi, militante iranienne des droits de la femme et lauréate du prix Nobel de la paix, Chow Hang-Tung, militante de Hong Kong, et Khurram Parvez, célèbre défenseur des droits humains au Cachemire. À ce jour, 25 personnes participant à la campagne, originaires de pays tels que le Nicaragua, l'Algérie et les Philippines, ont été libérées grâce aux efforts collectifs de militants du monde entier.
CIVICUS a lancé Stand As My Witness en 2020 pour honorer l'héritage de l'ancien prisonnier politique sud-africain Nelson Mandela.
"Notre décision d'ajouter Florian Irangabiye à l'initiative Stand As My Witness souligne la nature tragique et injuste de son emprisonnement", a déclaré Asma Darwish, chargée de campagnes de CIVICUS pour l'initiative Stand As My Witness. "Nous espérons que le fait d'attirer l'attention sur son cas accélérera sa libération afin qu'elle puisse retrouver sa famille et poursuivre sa vie".
L'organisation SOS Torture Burundi, une organisation burundaise de défense des droits humains basée à Bruxelles, rejoint CIVICUS pour appeler les autorités burundaises à libérer Irangabiye sans condition.
"L'emprisonnement de Floriane Irangabiye ne sert ni les burundais ni la nation burundaise, où les autorités doivent garantir la liberté de la presse", a déclaré Gervais Nibigira, directeur général de SOS Torture Burundi. "Nous appelons les autorités burundaises à prendre une mesure positive et à libérer Floriane".
En 2019, Irangabiye a cofondé IGICANIRO, une station de radio en ligne basée au Rwanda qui critique le gouvernement burundais. Le 30 août 2022, les services secrets burundais ont arrêté Irangabiye lorsqu’elle était au Burundi pour assister aux funérailles d'un parent. Les autorités l'ont faussement accusée de mettre en danger l'intégrité de la nation.
Au cours de son procès, le procureur n'a présenté aucune preuve crédible et le tribunal a admis par la suite que son interrogatoire initial n'avait pas respecté les procédures appropriées. Malgré cela, un tribunal l'a reconnue coupable le 2 janvier 2023 et a ordonné une peine de dix ans, confirmée en premier appel. Aujourd'hui, Irangabiye est dans une cellule de la prison de Bubanza, où sa santé, déjà compromise par un problème médical de longue date, s'est encore détériorée.
Le 11 janvier 2024, Irangabiye a comparu devant la Chambre d'appel de la Cour suprême, où ses avocats ont soulevé les irrégularités de son dossier. Ce recours est en cours d'examen.
"Les autorités burundaises devraient montrer au monde entier qu'elles respectent les principes de la justice en libérant Floriane Irangabiye", a déclaré Paul Mulindwa, responsable du plaidoyer pour l'Afrique à CIVICUS. "Nous attendons avec impatience que la Cour suprême ordonne sa libération ou que le président du Burundi décrète une grâce, afin que nous puissions tous célébrer ensemble la liberté de Floriane".
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CIVICUS est une alliance mondiale d'organisations de la société civile et d'activistes dédiée au renforcement de l'action citoyenne dans le monde entier. Fondée en 1993 et basée à Johannesburg, en Afrique du Sud, depuis 2002, CIVICUS compte plus de 15 000 membres dans plus de 175 pays.
SOS Torture Burundi est une organisation engagée dans la lutte contre la torture et d’autres violations des droits humains, lutte contre l’impunité et la promotion d’un Etat de droit au Burundi depuis 2015. SOS Torture Burundi a son siège en Belgique et est membre du réseau SOS-Torture de l'Organisation mondiale contre la torture (OMCT).