InimõigusteNõukogu 36. sessioon
Interventionby ESTONIA
Item 4:Interactive Dialogue on the Situation of Human Rights in Burundi
Genf, 18 September 2017
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Mr. President,
Estonia fully alignsitself with the EU statement. We thank the Commission for presenting their comprehensivereport that gives an insight to the human rights violations in Burundi, some ofwhich may amount to crimes against humanity.
Estonia expresses graveconcern over the reported extrajudicial executions, arbitrary arrests anddetentions, enforced disappearances, acts of torture and cruel, inhuman ordegrading treatment and sexual violence. We call on the government of Burundito conduct independent and impartial investigations into these violations, toensure that the alleged perpetrators are prosecuted and that the victimsreceive reparations.
We find it worrisome thatthe judiciary’s lack of independence, has sustained the impunity prevailing inthe country, and thus support the call of the Commission for a thorough reformof the judiciary. We strongly invite Burundi to reconsider their decision towithdraw from the Rome Statute, and to cooperate fully with the InternationalCriminal Court, as it is crucial for victims of grave crimes to receivejustice.
Estonia notes withconcern the government’s continued use of repressive measures against humanrights defenders and suspension of civil society organizations. We call on thegovernment of Burundi to guarantee the freedom of expression, association, andassembly, and address hate speech. We expect Burundi as a member of theCouncil, to uphold the highest standards in the promotion and protection ofhuman rights and to fully cooperate with all Council mechanisms, andwith the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Finally, we would like to express our support tothe recommendation of the Commission to extend their mandate, to conductfurther investigations of the ongoing human rights violations.
Thank you.