Burundi’s Parliament Establishes New Human Rights Commission to Counter UN Envoy

The Burundian Parliament has appointed a new National Human Rights Commission with an explicit mandate to "combat" the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Burundi. This move follows the departure into exile of the former commission’s president and has sparked significant concern among international human rights organizations, which have long accused the Burundian government of suppressing civil society, the opposition, and the media.

The previous Human Rights Commission, although perceived as aligned with the government, had recently released a report detailing hundreds of human rights violations. This report led to the former president, Sixte Vigny Nimuraba, facing criticism from the President of the National Assembly and subsequent accusations of corruption. Nimuraba reportedly fled to Europe last month after his home was searched by the National Intelligence Service and the police. The circumstances surrounding his departure raise serious questions about the independence and security of individuals tasked with investigating human rights abuses in Burundi.

The National Assembly, after a lengthy debate, approved a new board of seven commissioners to serve on the commission. The new commission is headed by Bishop Martin Blaise Nyaboho, a figure who has publicly voiced strong opposition to the political opposition in the past. This appointment has fueled concerns about the commission’s impartiality and its ability to effectively address human rights issues in the country.

Gelase Daniel Ndabirabe, the President of the National Assembly, has openly criticized Fortune Gaetan Zongo, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Burundi. Zongo’s August 2024 report detailed a "widespread impunity enjoyed by perpetrators of human rights violations," a "deterioration of the security situation," and an "increase in the number of cases of enforced disappearances and arbitrary arrests." These are serious allegations that paint a troubling picture of the human rights landscape in Burundi.

In a message addressed to the newly appointed Human Rights Commission, shared on social media, Ndabirabe stated that their "mission will be to combat and bring down Fortune Gaetan Zongo and put an end to these unfair accusations of human rights violations." This explicit directive from the head of the National Assembly raises profound questions about the true purpose of the new commission. Instead of focusing on protecting and promoting human rights, the commission appears to be tasked with discrediting and undermining the work of the UN Special Rapporteur.

Pacifique Nininahazwe, a human rights activist currently in exile, has asserted that the Parliament’s replacement of the serving human rights commissioners is illegal under Burundian law. He further stated that the new commissioners are all affiliated with the ruling party and lack significant experience in the field of human rights. He described the new commission as "the worst team ever assembled."

The situation is further complicated by the recent departures of two members of the country’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Pastor Noe Clement Ninziza and Aloys Batungwanayo reportedly fled Burundi in February after being accused of sharing "intelligence with the enemy," according to local media reports. The accusations against these individuals, who were involved in a sensitive and crucial process of national reconciliation, further highlight the climate of fear and intimidation that appears to be prevailing in Burundi.

The establishment of the new Human Rights Commission with the express goal of countering the UN Special Rapporteur raises serious concerns about the Burundian government’s commitment to human rights. The explicit mandate to "combat" the UN envoy suggests a desire to deflect scrutiny and avoid accountability for alleged human rights abuses. The composition of the commission, with individuals closely aligned with the ruling party, further undermines its credibility and independence.

The accusations made by the UN Special Rapporteur, including widespread impunity for perpetrators of human rights violations, a deteriorating security situation, and an increase in enforced disappearances and arbitrary arrests, demand serious attention and investigation. The government’s response, which appears to be focused on discrediting the UN envoy rather than addressing the underlying issues, is deeply troubling.

The international community must closely monitor the situation in Burundi and exert pressure on the government to uphold its human rights obligations. It is essential to support independent human rights organizations and activists who are working to document and report on human rights abuses. The safety and well-being of these individuals, as well as the broader protection of human rights in Burundi, are of paramount importance. The events unfolding in Burundi highlight the fragility of human rights and the importance of vigilance in defending them. The international community must hold the Burundian government accountable and ensure that those responsible for human rights violations are brought to justice. The future of human rights in Burundi hangs in the balance.

The government’s actions also raise concerns about its commitment to cooperate with international human rights mechanisms. By actively seeking to undermine the UN Special Rapporteur, the government is signaling a rejection of international scrutiny and a lack of willingness to address human rights concerns. This could have serious implications for Burundi’s relations with the international community and its ability to access international assistance.

The situation in Burundi underscores the importance of independent and impartial human rights monitoring. Without credible mechanisms to investigate and report on human rights abuses, victims are left without recourse, and perpetrators are emboldened to continue their actions. The international community must work to strengthen human rights monitoring mechanisms in Burundi and ensure that they are able to operate freely and effectively.

Furthermore, the events highlight the importance of protecting civil society organizations and human rights defenders. These individuals play a crucial role in documenting human rights abuses, advocating for victims, and holding governments accountable. The government’s apparent crackdown on civil society in Burundi is deeply concerning and could have a chilling effect on freedom of expression and association.

The international community must stand in solidarity with civil society organizations and human rights defenders in Burundi and provide them with the support they need to continue their vital work. The government must be urged to respect the rights of civil society organizations and allow them to operate without fear of intimidation or reprisal.