Geneva, 29 June 2026
Mr. President,
I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic States.
We thank the Special Rapporteur for the latest update and continued efforts to monitor the human rights situation in Burundi. We reiterate our call on the Government of Burundi to engage in constructive cooperation with UN human rights mechanisms, in particular by granting the Special Rapporteur unhindered access and by reopening of the OHCHR country office.
We remain deeply concerned by ongoing political and civil suppression, severe restrictions on freedom of opinion, expression and peaceful assembly, as well as cases of arbitrary detentions, extrajudicial executions, torture and sexual and gender-based violence in Burundi. We are particularly alarmed by reports of the involvement of state agents and pro-government groups in these violations and abuses, which further undermine the rule of law and human rights protection in the country.
We call on the Burundian authorities to uphold international human rights obligations, safeguard civic space, and ensure accountability for alleged violations through impartial and independent investigations, in full respect of judicial independence.
Mr. Special Rapporteur, what concrete and immediate steps could the international community consider to support the protection of human rights in Burundi?
I thank you.