Human Rights Council 36th Session (11-29 September 2017)

Interactive Dialogue with the Commission of Inquiry on Burundi

Statement of Ireland

18 September 2017

Ireland aligns with the statement of the European Union.

Mr President, 

Ireland would like to thank the members of the Commission of Inquiry for their report, and their efforts to gather evidence on the human rights situation in Burundi.

It is clear that the citizens of Burundi are enduring shocking levels of persecution. Ireland strongly condemns all attacks on civilians, including extrajudicial executions, arbitrary arrests and detentions, acts of torture and sexual violence. The erosion of press freedom and reports of intimidation of journalists is also alarming.

We call on the Government of Burundi to immediately condemn all attacks against civilians and to ensure state security actors comply with the law. We also urge the Government to immediately end the participation of the Imbonerakure in any law enforcement activities, and to prohibit their wearing of military uniforms or use of weapons.

Ireland is deeply concerned at suggestions that there may be amendments the constitution, including possible changes to term limits and ethnic quotas. These are central to the Arusha Accords, and any changes to these provisions would undermine the stability of Burundi and the region.

Ireland supports ongoing efforts to hold inclusive talks between the Government and opposition, particularly through the EAC-mandated mediation. We reiterate our call to the Government of Burundi to urgently join a fully-inclusive mediation process without preconditions. We also urge the Government to cooperate with UN and AU human rights mechanisms, and ensure their safety at all times.

We note the Commission’s contention that it has reasonable grounds to believe that crimes against humanity have been committed in Burundi. In light of this, we welcome the recommendation that the International Criminal Court initiate an investigation into the alleged crimes. 

Finally, Ireland would like to commend all those who risked their lives and freedom to provide testimony and evidence to the Commission of Inquiry. We support the renewal of the Commission of Inquiry’s mandate to allow a more thorough investigation of alleged crimes. 

Thank you