The 39th session of the Council of Human Rights was held in Geneva on September 17. An interactive dialogue on the report of the commission chaired by Diène took place. Flashback on the discussions.
Renovat Tabu: “This is no longer a question of human rights. It is rather a matter of geopolitical appetite.”
In Geneva, the intervention of Rénovat Tabu, permanent representative of Burundi was very noticeable. He attacked the members of the commission which was chaired by Diène. “The Human Rights Council cannot make the world believe that it is fulfilling its role of promoting and protecting human rights by recruiting elements that have no regard for states.”
For Mr. Tabu, the big mistake of Europeans is to believe that Burundi must accept and fulfill their will to be a “good student” of human rights. Thus, it is no longer a question of human rights but rather a matter of geopolitical appetite. The Burundian diplomat warns the international community: “Beware of all facts and actions that would undermine the last round of negotiations and preparations for the 2020 elections,” he said.
“We should not make a personal attack,” said the moderator, trying to control the debates. He reminded that the interactive dialogue must be done in an acceptable and respectful framework. After all that, it was the turn of the delegation of the European Union. “The EU deeply regretted the government’s decision to declare ” persona non grata ” three members of the commission in retaliation for the publication of their report,” said Ambassador Peter Sorensen.
In addition, he urges the Burundian government to stop verbal threats against members of the commission. Brussels reaffirmed its full support for the work of the commission of inquiry. He calls on Bujumbura to disarm illegitimate armed groups and put an end to impunity. For the European Union, the situation remains serious and there is therefore the need to renew the mandate of the commission of inquiry on Burundi.
Unlike Europeans, Russia notes that there is a clear stabilization trend in Burundi despite the attacks by the radical opposition that exacerbate tensions. Russia condemns the extremists’ attacks on innocent civilians. The representative of the Russian Federation considered that the pessimistic predictions on the referendum were not justified.
“We are convinced that the use of rhetoric to put pressure on Burundi is counterproductive,” she says. In addition, Russia believes that the “unilateral” sanctions imposed on the Burundian executive power are ineffective.
“Say no to the European diktat”
During the interactive dialogue in Geneva, African countries were reticent. At the 36th session last September, Africans joined forces. They proposed a resolution opposed to that of Europeans. Both resolutions were passed. It was an unprecedented situation in the history of the human rights council. However, it is clear that the African resolution did not succeed.
Only Tanzania took the floor. It urged the international community to support the efforts of repatriating Burundian refugees on its soil. Tanzania encourages all stakeholders in the Burundian crisis to embrace the spirit of unity. “Burundians must refrain from any act likely to undermine efforts to resolve the crisis peacefully.”
Doudou Diène, the chairman of the commission of inquiry, sees an encouragement in the government’s reaction to declare them “persona non grata”. “This may be the most relevant indicator of the credibility and seriousness of our report.” The 39th session of the Human Rights Council will end on 28 September. The European Union has promised to rule on a resolution calling for the extension of the mandate of the commission chaired by Diène. Meanwhile, Bujumbura asks groups of African countries to say no to the European “diktat”.
Bujumbura threatens to boycott the council’s activities
A side event was organized by the Burundi Permanent Mission in Geneva under the theme “Looking back in the prospect of the 2020 elections”. This activity did not go as planned. The presence of wanted “fugitives” disturbed it. The Burundian authorities protested to the Human Rights Council. They even threatened to not take part in the following activities of the council if the badges of access to the palace were not removed from them. However, their request that was not taken into consideration.
According to a learned observer, the government does not have the latitude to demand who to be invited in the session or not. That goes to the Human Rights Council. It partners with member states and civil society organizations which have been considered as observers. Among them, there are individuals prosecuted by justice. As for the attitude of boycotting the session, he thinks it’s perfectly legitimate. “No state in the world can applaud when it is the subject of an investigation of human rights violations”.
As for the question of whether or not Bujumbura can slam the door in the face of the council, Iwacu source says that the international texts permit it. Given the situation, the government does not gain anything, he said.
Written by Arnaud Igor Giriteka and translated by
Pierre Emmanuel Ngendakumana
IWACU Open Data
