BUJUMBURA December 11th (ABP) – The chairman of the Independent National Commission on Human Rights (CNIDH), Mr. Sixte Vigny Nimuraba, issued a statement in Bujumbura on Tuesday, on the occasion of International Human Rights Day celebrated every December 10th of the year, since the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 by the United Nations General Assembly.
Mr. Nimuraba noted that the human rights situation has improved significantly in Burundi and that security is generally good in the country. He nonetheless deplored the fact that armed gangs from neighboring countries, namely the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, have done acts that violate human rights. The CNIDH condemns any act aimed at harming the life or safety of civilians, police or soldiers.
That commission appreciates the joint efforts of the Government, national and international organizations and the CNIDH and its partners in the promotion and protection of human rights in Burundi.
According to that statement, the CNIDH commends the level of collaboration with the institutions, thus raising the level of promoting and protecting human rights in Burundi. As the country is drawing near to the 2020 elections, the CNIDH remains attentive to the issue of human rights, Nimubona said. In that regard, he recommends to all political actors to show unity, serenity and sense of the nation in the management of the electoral process, and to seize the authorized bodies in case of dispute.
With regard to the return of refugees, he commended the measures taken by the competent authorities to receive them in accordance with international standards. He requests the Government and the partners to take all necessary measures to provide them with adequate assistance in the same spirit of humankind.
The CNIDH also remains concerned about the human trafficking situation, the cruel treatment of children by their parents, educators and neighbors. He invites parents, families and communities to remain committed to positive traditional values, including helping one another, showing solidarity and shared responsibility for children.
The CNIDH is also concerned about unemployment, which particularly affects young people. The chairman of that commission invites the unemployed to be courageous, show initiative and creativity. He also calls on the government and its partners to support youth initiatives in income-generating cooperatives.
