Thank you. The United States thanks the Special Rapporteur for his report.
We note Burundi’s work to fight trafficking in persons, address judicial corruption, and prosecute some abuses by ruling party youth wing members. Nevertheless, we remain deeply concerned by reports of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, torture, and other human rights violations and abuses by state security forces and their proxies.
In recent months, there have been reports of harassment and abuses against opposition supporters, and allegations of abuses against Congolese civilians by Burundian forces in South Kivu province.
We remain concerned by the lack of a consistent approach to accountability and urge the government to thoroughly investigate and prosecute, where appropriate, all human rights violations and abuses.
We call on Burundi’s newly formed government to embrace opportunities to cooperate with UN mechanisms and show good faith in working with the Special Rapporteur. Long-term peace and stability in Burundi require increased efforts to end impunity and ensure accountability for human rights violations and abuses. UN mechanisms can help support Burundi’s domestic accountability efforts.
Our question is: How can we collectively help bring about greater accountability for abuses and violations and promote judicial independence in Burundi?
Thank you.
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