PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 57 – UK Statement on Burundi [September 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 September 2024.

UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Burundi. Delivered at the 57th HRC in Geneva.

Thank you, Mr. President.

We thank the Special Rapporteur for his important update, and for his valuable reporting throughout his mandate. We are concerned that Burundi continues to deny full access to the Special Rapporteur.

Mr President, conditions for human rights defenders and civil society in Burundi remain difficult.  An active civil society where journalists can work safely and independently is essential to support democracy, and we call on the government of Burundi to strengthen protections for media workers. Ahead of next year’s elections it is important that progress is made towards ending impunity for all perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses. It is essential that Burundi engage meaningfully with this Council’s mechanisms, in line with its public commitments to continue engaging constructively with the international community. We again call upon Burundi to co-operate with all UN bodies working to improve the human rights situation, including by reopening the OHCHR country office.

Special Rapporteur,

Your reporting shows that this Council’s ongoing scrutiny remains necessary. How can this Council further support Burundi to engage constructively with international human rights mechanisms?