Burundi: UN Independent Expert Begins Second Visit

Source: Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)

GENEVA----The United Nations Independent Expert on the human rights situation in Burundi, Fatsah Ouguergouz, will visit the country from today to 20 May to gather information from all parties on the human rights situation and in particular on the alleged violations of the right to life, physical integrity, freedom of expression and assembly, as well as measures taken by authorities to fight against impunity.

Mr. Ouguergouz will also assess the Government’s efforts at establishing a National Independent Human Rights Commission, created by law on 5 January 2011. “I welcome this development and will inquire with the authorities on the appointment of the Commissioners and the effective functioning of this institution,” the Independent Expert said.

In addition to his meetings in Bujumbura, the independent expert will also visit prison facilities in Ngozi, and hold talks with local authorities and representatives of the civil society in the province. He will report on the latest developments on the human rights situation in Burundi at the upcoming session of the Human Rights Council.

Al the end of his mission, on May 20, the Independent Expert will hold a press conference at 11:30 at the headquarters of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Bujumbura.