U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Burundi

43rd Session

Delivered by Tim Johnson, U.S. Delegation to the HRC

Thank you, Madam Vice President.

The United States welcomes the delegation of Burundi led by Her Excellency Ms. Imelde Sabushimiike, Minister of National Solidarity, Social Affairs, Human Rights and Gender.

We commend Burundi on recent concrete steps to combat trafficking in persons in Burundi, including when the victims are Burundian citizens abroad, as well as efforts to facilitate the return of over 200,000 Burundian refugees since 2020 and continued hosting of over 80,000 refugees.

We remain concerned regarding the situation of civil and political rights in Burundi.

We recommend that Burundi:

1. Ensure that human rights defenders are not subject to arbitrary detention;
2. Investigate and pursue accountability, where appropriate, for all allegations of harassment, intimidation, or disappearances of opposition party members, including those committed by members of police and other security forces;
3. Continue efforts to address endemic corruption by implementing the national strategy for good governance and anti-corruption and holding accountable those who have misused public office for private gain;

I thank you.

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