Statement at the 54th Session of the UN Human Rights Council
Interactive Debate with the Special Rapporteur on Burundi
Delivered by Agnès Ndirubusa
Thank you, Mr President,
CIVICUS and independent Burundian civil society organisations thank the Special Rapporteur for his report and continued work.
The human rights situation in Burundi is on a downward spiral despite President Ndayishimiye’s initial lifting of some restrictions on media and civil society.
Over a hundred Burundian journalists are still in exile, a culture of fear has been established, resulting in self-censorship and reprisals against political dissidents, media professionals and civil society organizations. Members of CNDD-FDD, the Imbonerakure or the National Intelligence Service continue with impunity to commit these violations of fundamental freedoms. For instance, Floriane Irangabiye, of Radio Igicaniro broadcasting from Rwanda, was arrested on 30 August 2022 on charges of “undermining the internal security of the national territory” and sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment.
The work of CSOs continues to be restricted as the authorities use a 2017 law on foreign non-governmental organizations, which is inconsistent with the State’s human rights obligations. On 14 February 2023, four human rights defenders; Sonia Ndikumasabo, Marie Emerusabe, Audace Havyirimana and Sylvana Inamahoro, were arrested by the National Intelligence Service at Bujumbura airport. A fifth human rights defender Prosper Runyange, was arrested in Ngozi and transferred to Bujumbura the following day. These HRDs have been charged with rebellion and undermining the internal security of the State and the proper functioning of public finances. Although they have been released, after a month in illegal detention, their passports and bank assets are still held by security officers.
We urge the Burundian authorities to fully uphold their obligations regarding freedom of expression and association, including by reviewing and amending laws, release HRDs in detention, create a safe and conducive environment for the work of human rights defenders and journalists, free from intimidation and retaliation.
We thank you.
Civic space in Burundi is rated as "Repressed" by the CIVICUS Monitor
