UN Human Rights Council 50: UK statement on Burundi

Thank you, Madam Vice President.

The United Kingdom congratulates the Special Rapporteur on his appointment and we thank him for this update. As this is the first Interactive Dialogue since the end of the mandate of the Commission of Inquiry, we would also like to take this opportunity to thank the former Commissioners for their important work.

Madam Vice President,

We note that there have been some positive developments in Burundi since the last report of the Commission of Inquiry. We welcome in particular the progress made on media freedom, including the easing of restrictions on some local and international news outlets.

Despite these positive steps, the UK remains concerned by the overall human rights picture in Burundi, particularly the targeting of political opposition figures, and we call on the Government to make further progress. We also urge Burundi to: undertake to cooperate fully with the Special Procedures Mandates of the Council, including the Special Rapporteur; re-engage with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights; and agree to the re-establishment of the OHCHR country office.

Special Rapporteur,

We would welcome your views on how the international community can best play its part in supporting the Government of Burundi to promote and protect the rights and freedoms of its people.

Thank you.