In Burundi there have been a number of cases of arbitrary detention, torture, ill-treatment and in the stigmatization of human rights defenders. There has also been an increase in restrictions placed on freedom of expression and freedom of association in relation to human rights defenders. In particular journalists and trade unionists are targeted.

One of the main obstacles faced by human rights defenders in Burundi is the law which regulates associations enacted on 18 April 1992 and also the law regulating relations between the State and non governmental organisations (NGOs) enacted on 22 August 1990 and modified on 12 February 1992 which require all Burundian associations to present periodic reports of their activities and declare any new members whilst international NGOs in Burundi are obliged to give prior consent to inspections by the authorities. There is also a move to restrict the conditions under which a new organisation can be created in order to limit the number of NGOs in the country. Human rights defenders reporting and commenting on human rights violations, corruption and impunity have been the victims of judicial harassment, in particular defamation suits and the government has attempted to stigmatise them by claiming that they are linked to opposition politicians or associated with criminals. Many defenders have been arbitrarily arrested and have been subjected to ill-treatment and torture. According to sources the police and security forces, in particular the National Intelligence Service (Service National de Renseignement, SNR) are responsible for many of the violations against human rights defenders.

URGENT CASES

Burundi: Arrestation du défenseur des droits humains Faustin Ndikumana

Date de publication: 2012/02/13

Le défenseur des droits humains M. Faustin Ndikumana a été arrêté le 7 février 2012 après ses déclarations publiques sur la corruption au sein du système judiciaire.

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