The 59th session of the UN Human Rights Council

Item 4: Interactive Dialogue on Oral Update of Special Rapporteur on Burundi

Joint statement on behalf of International Organisation for the Elimination of All forms of Racial Discrimination and Geneva International Centre for Justice

27 June 2025

By Rose Chiara Atieno / GICJ 

Firstly, we would like to commend the rapporteur for his continuous efforts in Burundi. This year marks 10 years since the beginning of the human rights crisis in Burundi thus marking 10 years of Burundi’s non-compliance to its obligations under human rights law. The ongoing human rights crisis in Burundi that gravely affects its citizens, is one that deserves the continued attention from this council.

The government continues to prove that freedom of expression and freedom of the press is merely a concept but not a reality for those in the country. Over the past years there have been over 50 cases of enforced disappearances, over 100 cases of arbitrary detentions, and over 10 cases of extrajudicial killings. As the election period comes to an end in Burundi , civilians and journalists continue to live in fear of the governments silencing efforts.

At a time when the world is riddled with human rights issues, we cannot afford to foster any environment that dismisses basic human rights. Thus, it is crucial that we continue to speak up for those who have had their lives brutally and unjustly taken away from them for merely expressing their views. While we acknowledge the steps taken by Burundi to release individuals who were unlawfully detained, we urge the Special Rapporteur to continue advocating for the release of all remaining individuals held in violation of due process. Furthermore, we call for strengthened efforts to ensure all state accountability for the extrajudicial killings that have occurred over the years. 

Thank you