Interactive Dialogue with Commission of Inquiry on Burundi
Human Rights Council – 48th Session
As delivered by Chargé d’Affaires Benjamin Moeling
Statement by the Delegation of the United States of America
We thank the Commission for its report and commitment to raising human rights violations and abuses in Burundi, despite obstacles, over the past five years.
We welcome the government’s actions to address human rights concerns, including releasing imprisoned human rights defenders and journalists and advancing media freedom.
We remain concerned by reports of intimidation, violence, and forced disappearances by state security forces, intelligence forces, and their proxies.
We continue to urge the government to investigate and prosecute cases of alleged unlawful killings, forced disappearances, torture, and other human rights violations. Accountability for human rights violations and abuses is important for Burundi’s future.
We appreciate the Commissioners’ thorough reporting. We encourage the government to cooperate with international human rights mechanisms and address concerns raised by the Commission and by these Council.
Our Question is: What processes can the Burundian government implement to ensure robust collaboration with civil society? Thank you.