Burundi: The National Assembly approves new commissioners for the Human rights Commission
RegionWeek Newsletter Vol VII, Issue #227 | Tuesday, January 10, 2023
Dear RegionWeek Reader,
On Monday the National Assembly approved 5 new commissioners of Burundi’s Independent National of Human rights Commission (CNIDH in french abbreviation). After the entire process of full analysis of the files, 15 candidates were shortlisted for 5 positions of commissioners of CNIDH, among the 7 women, and 8 men.
Candidates got the opportunity to present themselves and pitch their projects in front of the national assembly. After the presentation, the MPs approved 5 candidates as new commissioners for CNIDH, these are 3 men and 2 women:
Dr. Nimuraba Sixte Vigny,
Mr Nshimirimana Jacques
Nzohabonayo Anaclet
Habimana Consolate
Mfatiyimana Anésie
The approved commissioners will, among other duties, be responsible for receiving complaints and investigating cases of human rights violations, combating acts of torture, rape and other forms of gender-based violence, providing assistance justice to victims or to propose concrete measures to the government to promote the protection of rights.
The Commission also has the task of providing, in an advisory capacity to the Government, to Parliament, either at the request of the authorities concerned, or by using its faculty of self-referral, opinions, recommendations and proposals concerning all questions relating to the promotion and protection of human rights.
The commission advises in particular on bills and proposals for laws relating to human rights; contribute to the harmonization of the laws, regulations and practices in force at the national level with the international and regional instruments relating to human rights ratified by Burundi and ensure their effective implementation.
Human Rights in Burundi
In September 2022 at UN Geneva’s Human Rights Council Interactive Dialogue, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Burundi,Fortune Gaetan Zongo, said it was essential today that Burundi reaffirmed its commitment and agreed to commit itself more effectively to advancing human rights. According to him, the human rights situation had not changed substantially.
Burundi, speaking as a country concerned, said that Burundi was fully committed to the promotion and protection of human rights and complied with its international obligations in that regard. The situation had been improving every year in all sectors of life in the country, and a number of reforms had been initiated in terms of good governance, social justice, freedom of the press, civil and political rights, and national reconciliations, among others.
According to the Burundi representative the situation had improved, and the Human Rights Council should not miss this opportunity to remove Burundi from its agenda, as it was unfair and irrelevant to retain the special mechanism. The Special Rapporteur on Burundi should have his mandate ended, he added.
The Special Rapporteur stressed that the Independent National Commission on Human Rights (CNIDH) has "A status" as a national human rights institution and is constantly working to protect and promote human rights in Burundi. However, he recommended that the Burundian authorities guarantee its formal and material independence and provide the commission with necessary means to implement its mandate.
Thanks for reading,
Fabrice Iranzi, Editor in Chief, RegionWeek