Burundi: Joint appeal from civil society for freedom of expression and the safe return of people in forced exile

Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Burundi

Geneva, 19 September 2025

Mr President,

Mr Rapporteur,

Since the crisis of 2015, Burundi has seen systematic repression of journalists and members of civil society, who are the main targets of intimidation, arbitrary arrests, physical violence and threats.

Despite certain commitments made by the authorities, the climate of widespread fear hinders the exercise of fundamental rights such as freedom of expression and freedom of the press. The case of Sandra Muhoza, a journalist who has been arbitrarily detained since 12 April 2024 for commenting in a WhatsApp group on information concerning the alleged distribution of weapons by the current government, is emblematic of this persistent repression, which is contrary to the international instruments ratified by Burundi.

The year 2025 also marks ten years of forced exile for dozens of Burundian civil society members and journalists. This exile has had serious human consequences (family separation, integration difficulties and precariousness) and has weakened the country's community network and media plurality, as well as reducing the space for political dialogue.

Our organisations call on the Human Rights Council to:

- Renew the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Burundi for one year and strengthen his resources;

- Take all measures to ensure the safe and voluntary return of exiled persons to Burundi and their participation in the peace and national dialogue processes;

- Call on the Burundian State to end the arbitrary detention of Sandra Muhoza.

Signatory organisations:

- Women and Girls Movement for Peace and Security (MFFPS)

- World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT)

- SOS Torture/Burundi

- International Federation of ACAT (Action by Christians for the Abolition of Torture)