UN Human Rights Council 45: Interactive Dialogue with the Commission of Inquiry on Burundi

Thank you, Mr Vice President

The United Kingdom thanks the Commissioners for their work and welcomes the report.

The developments in Burundi since the last Interactive Dialogue call for a review of how this Council and the UN Human Rights mechanisms engage with the Government of Burundi.

We recall President Ndayishimiye’s commitment to promoting the freedom and the rights of all Burundians. The UK would like to see the relationship between the Government of Burundi and the international community develop to one based on mutual support, cooperation, and respect for human rights.

We therefore call on the Government of Burundi to cooperate fully with the Council, via its mechanisms and Special Procedures, and with the OHCHR, as appropriate, as a necessary first step to realising this new relationship.

It is not yet time for the Council to turn its attention away from Burundi. The Commission’s report demonstrates that Burundi still has significant progress to make to restore the rule of law and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Mr Vice-President,

We would welcome the Commissioners’ assessment of any actions taken by the Government over the past three months to improve human rights in Burundi, in response to the commitment expressed by President Ndayishimiye.

Thank you.