U.S. Explanation Of Position On Burundi
The 16th Session Of The UN Human Rights Council,
Geneva
March 25, 2011
Mr. President,
While the United States has joined consensus on this text we remain disappointed that this resolution was even necessary in the light of the agreement that was brokered at the last session to have Independent Expert Ouguergouz report to this Council at this session. As it currently stands we have an Independent Expert appointed by the Human Rights Council who has carried out a trip to the country concerned and who has not been given an opportunity to report to this Council. Additionally, we note that the report that was prepared by the Former Independent Expert has not been officially presented to this Council to date. This lack of a dialogue with the Independent Expert is neither conducive to genuine interaction with the mandate holder nor supportive of engagement with the country concerned. It is essential for the Council to have regular dialogues with the mandate holders it has created, hence our support for this resolution that asks that the IE report at HRC 17.
The United States notes the recent creation of a National
Independent Human Rights Commission through legislation promulgated by the Burundian President on January 5. We look forward to learning more about Burundi’s efforts to set up the Commission and make it fully functional.
We support the furtherance of Mr. Ouguergouz’s work as a way to lend his expertise during this crucial period. We look forward to hearing from the Independent Expert at the next session of this Council.
Thank you Mr. President