FIACAT’s oral statement cosponsored by CCPR Centre and OMCT
Interactive dialogue with the Special rapporteur on Burundi
51st session of the Human Rights Council
23 September 2022
Thank you Mr. President,
Mr. Special Rapporteur,
The signatory organisations1 thank you for your report and wish to use this dialogue to reiterate their concerns.
My name is Germain Rukuki and I was sentenced to 32 years in prison for my work as a human rights defender. Although my sentence was finally reduced to one year after cassation, other defenders continue to be arrested and arbitrarily detained. This is the case of Maitre Tony Germain Nkina who was arrested and imprisoned following an unfair trial because of his former affiliation with APRODH.
Mr. Special Rapporteur,
Serious human rights violations continue to be perpetrated. From June 2020 to August 2022, the Ligue Iteka recorded 1,470 people killed, including 24 extrajudicial executions, 118 abducted or missing persons and 255 victims of sexual violence. Over the same period, ACAT Burundi counted 671 people arbitrarily arrested and 180 people tortured. More recently, in June 2022 ESDDH documented 13 cases of torture in the cells of the Service national de renseignement (the national intelligence agency).
Thus, the signatory organisations consider it necessary for the Council to maintain a close attention on Burundi and call on the Member States to renew your mandate. They also invite Burundi to cooperate fully with you, and to allow you access to the country.
Thank you.
1. ACAT-Burundi, AJBE, APRODH, CAVIB, CB-CPI, Coalition Burundaise des DDH, COSOME, ESDDH, FOCODE, FORSC, Light for All, Ligue Iteka, RCP, SOS-Torture/Burundi, Tournons la page-Burundi and UBJ supported by CCPR Centre, FIACAT and OMCT.
 HRC51 - FIACAT Statement - Item 4 Burundi.pdf |