UN human rights expert appeals for international aid to post-war Burundi

With human rights abuses still taking place in Burundi, a United Nations independent human rights expert has appealed to the international community to support efforts by the country's Government to comply with the reforms called for in its 2000 peace agreement.

In a report to the General Assembly published today, the expert on the human rights situation in Burundi, Akich Okola, says from January to mid-August the peace process in the country has advanced steadily, with significant progress in the legislative process and improvements in the security and human rights situations.

"Despite these advances, human rights violations continue to be observed on a daily basis. Armed elements, including the military, are reported to be responsible for violations of the right to life, torture, arbitrary detention, sexual violence and mass displacement of people from their homes," he says.

Meanwhile, "the reforms in the judicial sector have had limited impact. Prisons are overcrowded, and no consensus has been reached on who should be categorized as 'political prisoners.'" While the Truth Commission has yet to be established, he notes that the panel "is expected to be engaged in the coming months."

The expert encourages the Burundian authorities to press ahead with the reforms required under the 2000 Arusha Agreement, such as those relating to human rights and the reform of the armed forces and, in particular, to establish a national human rights commission within a reasonable time.

Mr. Okola notes that poverty has reduced the access of the population to health care and has furthered the transmission of HIV/AIDS, while more than half of the population lives below the poverty line.

He urges the international community to release funds pledged at various donor conferences and to support the efforts of the Bujumbura Government to promote and encourage respect for human rights and to secure lasting peace.