UN Human Rights Council 44: Interactive Dialogue with the COI on Burundi
The UK's International Ambassador for Human Rights, Rita French, delivered this statement during the Interactive Dialogue with the Commission of Inquiry on Burundi.
Madam President,
The United Kingdom reaffirms its full support for the Commission of Inquiry and welcomes this presentation.
We commend President Ndayishimiye’s commitment to tackling COVID19. The UK is contributing $665 million to global efforts to develop vaccines, treatments and testing for COVID19, and to the IMF fund in support of vulnerable economies.
We also welcome the emphasis President Ndayishimiye placed in his inauguration speech on the rights of all Burundians, the need to tackle corruption, and his invitation to opposition parties to participate in the country’s development. We look forward to seeing progress on these crucial agendas. In particular, the increased volume of human rights violations in recent years underscores the importance of restoring the rule of law and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. The Government must put an end to the violations committed by state agents and the Imbonerakure.
We hope President Ndayishimiye’s leadership will herald a new chapter in which our governments can work together for shared prosperity, and respect for human rights.
Madam President,
We would welcome the Commissioners’ views on what steps the new Government should take in the next six months to demonstrate its commitment to human rights.
Thank you.