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Burundi: Journalists and Human Rights Defenders Face Continued Suppression

Despite some minor concessions, Burundi’s authorities have continued to crack down on journalists and human rights defenders, according to a new report by a leading international organization.

Recent Incidents of Suppression

  • In June 2021, a lawyer and former human rights defender, Tony Germain Nkina, was sentenced to five years in prison for his past work. His conviction was maintained on appeal, and he remains behind bars.
  • The Burundian government has also continued to exert undue interference over civil society and the media. In October 2019, four Iwacu journalists were arrested while reporting on fighting between security forces and the rebel group RED-Tabara. Although their conviction was later pardoned in December 2020, the incident highlights the dangers faced by those investigating security incidents.

Restrictions and Suspensions

  • The National Council of Communication (CNC) lifted a ban on public comments by Iwacu in February 2021, but the outlet’s website is still blocked in Burundi.
  • The CNC has suspended several human rights organizations and media outlets operating from exile, and continues to monitor their activities.

International Community’s Response

  • The European Union delegation in Geneva tabled a resolution at the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in September 2021, which ended the mandate of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) and created a special rapporteur mandate instead.
  • The CoI had concluded that grave human rights violations continued to be committed in Burundi, despite repeated government denials. The Burundian government has refused to cooperate with the CoI, and has announced that it will never give access to the country to the special rapporteur.

Calls for Action

The international organization is urging the Burundian government to:

  • Immediate Release: Immediately release all prisoners unjustly imprisoned, including Tony Germain Nkina.
  • Quash Convictions: Quash the conviction of 12 human rights defenders and journalists in exile and initiate a dialogue with human rights and media organizations.
  • Lift Suspensions: Lift the suspension of human rights organizations and media operating from exile.
  • Public Support: Publicly support civil society and the media’s right to cover political, human rights, and security issues.
  • Amend Laws: Amend laws governing the media as well as domestic and international organizations in line with regional and international obligations.

Cooperation with UNHRC

The organization is also calling on the Burundian government to cooperate with the UNHRC-mandated special rapporteur on Burundi and allow him unhindered access to the country. The government has refused to reopen its country office, which was closed by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in February 2019.

Conclusion

The international community must continue to pressure the Burundian government to respect human rights and freedoms, and to hold those responsible for abuses accountable.