HRC48 - NB8 statement - Commission of Inquiry on Burundi

Human Rights Council – 48th session

Interactive Dialogue with Commission of Inquiry on Burundi

Statement by Norway on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries

23 September 2021

I am delivering this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries: [Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Sweden and Norway].

We strongly support the recommendations given in the report of the Commission of Inquiry on Burundi. Improved dialogue between Burundian authorities and the international community since the new administration came to power is encouraging, but unfortunately, there is little meaningful change in terms of human rights.

We remain deeply concerned about continued human rights violations and abuses and the shrinking civic space [in Burundi]. We repeat our call upon the government to end human rights violations committed by the security forces and the Imbonerakure, including against members of the opposition, human rights defenders, civil society and journalists.

All instances of arbitrary detention, torture and ill-treatment, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings and sexual- and gender-based violence must be promptly investigated and the perpetrators brought to justice.

We continue to urge the Government [of Burundi] to fully cooperate with international and regional human rights mechanisms, including on sensitive matters and to authorize them to conduct independent monitoring activities and publicize reports on human rights violations and abuses. These mechanisms must be granted full and unhindered access and be provided all the information necessary to fulfil their mandate to effectively report human rights violations and abuses [in Burundi].