44th session of the Human Rights Council - Item 4 – Interactive Dialogue with the COI on Burundi.
Statement delivered by Minister Counsellor Anniken Enersen
14 July 2020
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Madam President,
I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Sweden and my own country Norway.
We thank the Commission of Inquiry and are concerned by the reports of continued serious violations and abuses of human rights.
The government of Burundi has a responsibility to protect human rights and ensure that state or non-state actors in Burundi cannot act with impunity. The role and the actions of the Imbonerakure are noted with particular concern. We support the recommendations of the Commission of inquiry’s report and trust that the government will do its utmost to investigate the cases documented.
We are also concerned about reports of violence against members of the political opposition during the election campaign and the lack of independence and impartiality of the Independent National Electoral Commission.
We reaffirm our support of the Burundian people and their aspirations for a more democratic, prosperous and peaceful future. We urge the government and other political stakeholders to engage in a constructive and inclusive dialogue.
We have high expectations to the new government’s efforts to establish a climate of trust and political tolerance, and we urge the government to cooperate with the Commission of Inquiry, OHCHR and the AU human rights observers.
In light of the new government, what are the COI's views on the future cooperation with the Burundian State and how can we be of assistance?