UN Human Rights Council 48: UK statement for the interactive dialogue with the Commission of Inquiry on Burundi
UK International Ambassador for Human Rights Rita French gave a statement urging the government to deliver further progress, over a sustained period of time.
Thank you, Madam President.
The United Kingdom thanks the Commissioners for their important work and their latest report.
There have been some encouraging developments in Burundi over the past year. We welcome the closer cooperation by the Government of Burundi with the international community and the steps it has taken which demonstrate greater commitment to human rights, including prisoner releases. We continue to urge the Government to deliver further progress, over a sustained period of time.
We remain concerned by reports of violations and abuses being committed against the political opposition and critical voices. Such breaches of human rights, coupled with impunity for perpetators, compromise gains made towards long-term stability in Burundi.
The UK believes that human rights monitoring in Burundi remains necessary and we continue to call on the Government to cooperate with UN human rights mechanisms including the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
We also urge the international community to continue to follow developments in Burundi and play its role in ensuring the Government promotes and protects the rights and freedoms of the Burundian people.
Madam President,
We would welcome the Commissioners’ views on how best the international community can continue to support human rights in Burundi.
Thank you.