Human Rights Council 40: Burundi
The UK remains concerned about the human rights situation in Burundi, and asked the OHCHR how the Government of Burundi can ensure free, fair and credible elections in 2020.
Thank you Mr President.
The United Kingdom reaffirms its support for the Commission and welcomes this presentation
We remain concerned about the human rights situation in Burundi and urge the Government to reconsider the decision to close the OHCHR office in Burundi and engage in a more cooperative and constructive dialogue with the OHCHR.
We welcome positive steps taken by the Government of Burundi, including the release of political prisoners and the registration of the political party, the National Congress for Freedom. However, the Commission makes clear that serious human rights violations, including, summary execution, enforced disappearance, arbitrary arrest and detention, torture, and sexual violence continue. It is therefore clear that ongoing monitoring and reporting is vital.
The UK wants a genuine dialogue with Burundi, alongside EU counterparts. But the Burundian Government must first take demonstrable steps to improve the human rights situation for its people and cooperate with regional and international human rights mechanisms.
With elections scheduled for 2020, this is a critical time for the country. We call on the Government to engage in the inter Burundi dialogue to agree a roadmap that will set the path toward elections that are fair and credible.
Mr President,
We would be grateful for the Commission’s view on how they will engage with Burundi as it prepares for elections?
Thank you.