EU Expresses Concern Over Human Rights Violations in Burundi

Geneva: The European Union has voiced significant concerns regarding the ongoing human rights situation in Burundi. While acknowledging some positive steps, such as the release of political prisoners, the EU remains alarmed by continued violations, including arbitrary arrests, forced disappearances, allegations of torture, and sexual and gender-based violence. According to European Union, the freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly are severely compromised in Burundi, with press freedom systematically hindered. The EU has expressed apprehension about the intimidation and reprisals faced by civil society actors, human rights defenders, journalists, bloggers, and media professionals, often attributed to the police forces, the national intelligence service, and the Imbonerakure. The EU calls on Burundian authorities to end impunity through rigorous, independent, and impartial investigations, stressing the need to address ongoing challenges within the judiciary. The EU has also highlighted th e humanitarian situation in Burundi, which hosts thousands of refugees despite pressure on its fragile health, water supply, and food security systems. While noting Burundi's participation in the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination in November 2025 positively, the EU encourages the country to fully re-engage with UN human rights mechanisms. The European Union urges the Burundian government to grant the special rapporteur unrestricted access to the country and provide all necessary information for fulfilling their mandate. The EU emphasizes the importance of implementing the recommendations of the former commission of inquiry and encourages Burundi to ensure the independence and transparency of its national human rights institutions. The effective functioning of the Independent National Commission on Human Rights (CNIDH) is crucial for promoting and protecting human rights and inspiring confidence among citizens and international partners. Lastly, the EU calls on Burundian authorities to fa cilitate the reopening of the United Nations Office for Human Rights in Burundi, as a sign of cooperation and technical support. The EU seeks clarity from the special rapporteur on the main obstacles to implementing the recommendations from the inquiry commission's final report five years ago.