The United Kingdom has expressed concerns about Burundi’s human rights record, despite the country’s commitment to improving protections and support for human rights, a press statement by the UK government said.
In a statement delivered during the United Nations Human Rights Council, the UK mission to the World Trade Organization, UN and other international organisations, Geneva, said it remains concerned by the limited progress since the special rapporteur’s last full report.
The UK is particularly concerned about reports of arbitrary detentions and ongoing restrictions on civil society and calls for violence against the LGBT+ community.
The UK has called for further progress in Burundi’s human rights situation, including the opening up of civic space for civil society and political debate, in advance of the 2025 elections.
The UK said that an active civil society, supported by responsible political debate, is essential for the people of Burundi to exercise their civil and political rights fully. It also expressed its appreciation for the cooperation of the Special Rapporteur in his efforts to promote and protect human rights in Burundi, and in engaging with the UN Human Rights Council.