EU Introductory Statement - HRC60 - Situation of Human Rights in Burundi

EU Introductory Statement - HRC60 - Situation of Human Rights in Burundi

UN Human Rights Council

60^th session - Item 4

L.13 - Introduction

Situation of Human Rights in Burundi

EU Introductory Statement

Mr President

On behalf of the European Union, I have the honour to present draft resolution L.13 entitled "Situation of Human Rights in Burundi." We thank all co-sponsors, delegations and civil society for their constructive engagement throughout the negotiations.

The Special Rapporteur informed this Council about the worrying situation of human rights in Burundi, where violations and abuses still take place: arbitrary arrests and detention, enforced disappearances - including of political opponents -, alleged acts of torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment, as well as severe restrictions to the rights to freedom of expression, to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association.

Adding to this, a group of 8 Special Procedures expressed their deep concern about the increase in serious human rights violations in Burundi, particularly in the context of the electoral period which started this year and will culminate with the Presidential election in 2027.

The text before you today reflects these concerns.

Nevertheless, this balanced draft gives credit to Burundi for its efforts where those are documented. In that respect, the resolution welcomes the submission of Burundi's report to the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, as well as progress made with regard to regional and international participation.

Another important element of this text is about the structural challenges Burundi faces in relation to the respect, protection and fulfilment of economic, social and cultural rights - particularly the right to education, to health and to adequate food. In that regard, the EU reiterates its engagement to support sustainable development in Burundi.

Unfortunately, the country persists in refusing to engage with the Special Rapporteur and other mechanisms such as the ICC. We also lament the lack of meaningful cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. The EU therefore encourages Burundi to grant access to the country to the Special Rapporteur and consider the re-opening of the OHCHR local office.

Mr President,

In these circumstances, we call on this Council to renew the mandate of the Special Rapporteur for another year. This will ensure continued and independent monitoring of the human rights situation in Burundi.

The European Union will continue to keep an open door for a constructive dialogue with Burundi, in order to find a consensual way out.

For these reasons, we call upon all members of this Council to adopt this resolution.

I thank you.