Human Right

European parliament concerned over human rights violations in Burundi

Members of the European parliament express their deep concern about endemic impunity and human rights violations, including summary executions, torture, enforced disappearances and arbitrary detention. They remind Burundi government of its obligation, as a member of the UN Human Rights Council, to resume and fully cooperate with the UN Commission of Inquiry on Burundi and the team of three UN experts and to grant country access to the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders.

European Parliament denounces human rights violations in Burundi

European Parliament denounces human rights violations in Burundi

The European parliament also asks the Government of Burundi to fully respect the Arusha Agreement as the main instrument for peace and stability in the country. “Burundi government should respect the international legal obligations regarding human and civil rights, promote and protect the rights of freedom of expression and association enshrined in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Burundi is a State party,” reads the resolution.

The members of the European parliament also denounce the intimidation, repression, violence and harassment of journalists, opposition supporters and human rights defenders. They call on Burundian authorities to respect the rule of law and fundamental human rights such as the freedom of expression and freedom of the media.

The European parliament also underlines its concern about the humanitarian situation which is marked by 169 000 internally displaced persons in the country, 1.67 million people in need of humanitarian assistance and more than 410 000 Burundians who look for refuge in neighboring countries,” reads the resolution.

Iwacu has tried to contact the spokesperson for Burundi government to react about the resolution but to no avail.

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