PRESS RELEASE : UN HRC53 – Statement on human rights situation in Burundi [July 2023]

Thank you, Mr President.

The United Kingdom thanks the Special Rapporteur for his most recent update and we reiterate our support for his mandate.

We welcome that there have been some positive developments in Burundi since the Special Rapporteur’s last full report, including notably the acquittal and release of Tony Germain Nkina.

We also welcome Burundi’s stated commitment to improving its human rights situation – however, we remain concerned by the relatively slow and limited implementation to date of this commitment. We continue to urge Burundi to undertake genuine reforms in order to fully promote and protect human rights. We are particularly concerned by Burundi’s decision to withdraw its delegation from this week’s dialogue with the Human Rights Committee as they carry out their review of Burundi.

Mr President,

We once again call on Burundi to re-engage and cooperate fully with this Council and its mechanisms including the Special Rapporteur and other Special Procedures Mandate Holders, as well as the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and other UN bodies which can work with Burundi to improve its human rights situation.

Special Rapporteur,

What actions should Burundi take to demonstrate its willingness to uphold human rights standards, given their intention to stand for election to the Human Rights Council for the 2024-2027 term, and in line with Members’ responsibilities under General Assembly Resolution 60/251?

Thank you.