ISHR
On 22 September 2022, Fortuné Gaetan Zongo presented his first written report, in accordance with resolution 48/16 establishing his mandate as UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Burundi.
Fortuné Gaetan Zongo presented his first written report during the 51st session of the Human Rights Council.
The Special Rapporteur noted that “[d]espite the commitments and measures taken by the Burundian government, the human rights situation has not changed in any substantial or lasting way” and that “little progress has been made on aspects of the transitional justice program, particularly with respect to accountability, reparations, land restitution, and security and justice sector reform”.
He also stressed the dire situation of human rights defenders in Burundi, who have, at times, been forced into exile where they live in great precariousness, as well as the targeting of human rights organisations, which work in a climate of fear of reprisals and are subject to restrictive laws limiting democratic space and strengthening government control.
In a statement delivered by Lambert Nigarura, ISHR and the Coalition Burundaise pour la CPI (CB-CPI) urged Burundi to recognise the existence of human rights challenges in Burundi, to cooperate fully with the office of the Special Rapporteur, and to grant him the necessary access to the country for his work.
In particular, ISHR and the CB-CPI shared their concern about the youth of the ruling party, the Imbonerakuré, who continue to commit, with impunity, human rights violations such as torture, murder, enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, and sexual violence with the assistance of local officials, the National Intelligence Service, the police and the army.
This concern was shared by Fortuné Gaetan Zongo, who stated that “[s]elective impunity for the prosecution of alleged perpetrators of serious violations in favor of common crimes remains significant.” As raised by the Special Rapporteur, this climate of impunity is amplified by the hate speech from the party in power itself, such as a recent statement made by the Secretary General of the CNDD-FDD, calling on the Imbonerakuré to continue night patrols and to kill any “troublemakers”.
The Escazú Ahora Chile Foundation, the Protege los Molles Foundation and ISHR demand that the investigation, arrest and legal proceedings involving Julia Chuñil's relatives be conducted in accordance with international standards of due process.
At a time of financial strife and ongoing reform for the organisation, States have adopted a 2026 budget cutting 117 jobs at the UN’s Human Rights Office. The final budget endorses proposed cuts that disproportionately target human rights, imperilling the UN’s ability to investigate grave abuses, and advance human rights globally.
ISHR and 37 human rights organisations in Latin America issued a joint statement condemning the United States military attack against Venezuela and expressing concern about the serious human rights situation in the country. Any solution to the crisis facing the country must be democratic, peaceful and negotiated, centred on respect for human rights, and prioritising the participation and decision-making power of Venezuelan society over its future.
