Interactive Dialogue with Special Rapporteur on Burundi
Statement by the Delegation of the United States of America
As Delivered by Patrick Elliot
Human Rights Council – 51st Session
Thank you, Mr. President. And thank you for your report, Special Rapporteur Zongo.
The United States calls on Burundi’s newly formed government to cooperate with UN mechanisms and show good faith in working with the Special Rapporteur.
We remain concerned by continuing reports of unlawful killings, enforced disappearances, torture, and other human rights violations or abuses by state security forces and their proxies. In particular, there have been numerous reports of harassment and abuses against opposition party representatives.
These reports and the lack of a consistent approach to investigations and accountability by authorities illustrate the continuing need for the Special Rapporteur’s mandate.
We are also disturbed by allegations of human rights abuses against Congolese civilians by Burundian security forces or their collaborators operating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s South Kivu province and urge the Burundian government, where possible, to investigate such reports.
Finally, we urge the government to use the Universal Periodic Review next year to support its domestic human rights protection efforts through an honest assessment of its progress and shortcomings.
Mr. Special Rapporteur, what further steps do you recommend the Burundian government take to deter, and ensure accountability for, ongoing human rights abuses? I thank you.
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