UN welcomes diverse composition of human rights commission members in Burundi

The top United Nations official in Burundi today welcomed the selection of the members of the independent national human rights commission, saying they are an appropriate reflection of the small African country’s ethnic, regional and gender make-up.

Karin Landgren, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative and the head of the UN Office in Burundi (BNUB), issued a statement after the country’s National Assembly yesterday elected the seven members of the commission (known as CNIDH).

Ms. Landgren voiced satisfaction that the selection process had recognized the need for pluralism in the composition of the commission members.

Burundi has frequently broken into ethnic-based civil war during its history, and human rights abuses have been common.

Ms. Landgren stressed that BNUB stood ready to assist the CNIDH as it begins its operations.