Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Burundi
Statement by the Delegation of the United States of America as Delivered by Jesse Elmore
Human Rights Council – 53rd Session
Thank you, Mr. Vice President.
And thank you, Mr. Special Rapporteur, for your work and reporting.
The United States is heartened by some steps the Government of Burundi has taken to hold members of the ruling party accountable for human rights abuses and corruption. However, we remain deeply concerned by ongoing reports of human rights violations and abuses by state security forces and armed groups.
We urge the government to thoroughly investigate and prosecute, as appropriate, cases of alleged extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, torture, and other human rights violations and abuses.
We appreciate the work of Burundi’s Independent National Commission on Human Rights to document human rights abuses, increase access to and expedite judicial processes, and engage with international actors. We urge Burundian authorities to guarantee the Commission’s independence and to provide it with the necessary resources to implement its mandate.
We also encourage the Government to take further steps to strengthen protections of freedom of expression and space for civil society and political parties. We are concerned by the suspension of the National Freedom Council.
The United States calls on the Government of Burundi to grant access to the Special Rapporteur, in line with its public commitments to advance human rights and reengage the international community.
Mr. Special Rapporteur, could you describe tangible steps the Government of Burundi could take to improve its human rights situation?
I thank you.
###