The Human Rights Council takes responsible action to prevent the worst in Burundi
| Publisher | International Federation for Human Rights |
| Publication Date | 30 September 2016 |
| Cite as | International Federation for Human Rights, The Human Rights Council takes responsible action to prevent the worst in Burundi , 30 September 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57f39e1f4.html [accessed 23 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
By adopting a resolution that condemns the serious crimes committed in Burundi, the UN Human Rights Council took responsible action to try and prevent the worst as the country is sliding further towards violence and the risk of genocide is real. This resolution also establishes an international commission of inquiry, which will be able to transmit evidence it gathers to the International Criminal Court (ICC) and contribute to bringing those responsible for crimes to justice.
The resolution adopted today is based on the final report of three independent experts who investigated the human rights violations committed in Burundi since the beginning of the crisis, which was triggered by President Pierre Nkurunziza's will to remain in power beyond his second constitutionally-mandated term. Their report indicates that "given the country's history, the danger of the crime of genocide also looms large."
The resolution strongly condemns the gross and systematic human rights violations committed in Burundi - including extrajudicial executions, enforced disappearances, and acts of torture -, some of which may amount to crimes against humanity. It also condemns the widespread impunity in the country and acts of incitement to ethnic violence and hatred.
The resolution insists on the fact that accountability for those responsible for crimes - most of whom are members of the security forces and Imbonerakure [1] - is central to efforts to put an end to the escalation of violence. The commission of inquiry will be tasked with identifying alleged perpetrators of violations. Finally, the resolution raises concern over the consequences that the situation in Burundi may have on regional stability, and calls for action to prevent an intensification of the crisis. The African Union, The East African Community and the United Nations have all acted in accordance with their respective mandates; they should immediately take further concrete action to stop a regionalization of the crisis.
Since the beginning of the crisis, in April 2015, FIDH and Ligue ITEKA have raised the alarm with African and international institutions on the gravity of the violations committed and their possible repercussions on regional stability. At the Human Rights Council, our organizations advocated for the holding of regular public debates on Burundi and for a special session dedicated to the country. The resolution adopted today is in line with these efforts, which have allowed for a documentation of violations and increased international pressure on the Burundian authorities.
Footnotes
The ruling party's youth league, whose one of the branches has formed a militia that has been responsible for grave human rights violations since April 2015.
