Mary Wilson
Well-known member
OHCHR01 November 2023
The Committee against Torture this afternoon concluded its consideration of the third periodic report of Burundi on its efforts to implement the provisions of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, with Committee Experts commending the State on efforts taken to repatriate Burundian refugees, while asking questions about acts of torture committed by the Burundian police force and security forces, and the role of the Imbonerakure within the State.
Rouwane Abderrazak, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, commended the efforts made to repatriate Burundian refugees through tripartite agreements signed with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and Tanzania. The hospitality of Burundi as a country hosting refugees, estimated at 20,000, was also to be commended.
Sébastien Touze, Committee Vice-Chairperson and Country Co-Rapporteur, said information suggested that the practice of torture was widespread within the Burundian police and security forces, in particular within the National Intelligence Service. Was it possible to open cases or proceedings against members of the National Intelligence Service accused of committing acts of torture? Had cases already been opened? If not, did the State intend to open proceedings pending inquiries? ...
The Committee had been informed of a critical shortage of food in prisons since 2022, and was informed of the death of a detainee in Bubanza prison which illustrated the serious consequences of a lack of food in prison. Some prisoners even sold their clothes to buy food. Burundian law provided that the prison administration should provide health care for detainees in each establishment; and that a doctor appointed by the Ministry of Public Health ensure regular monitoring of the functioning of the health service. But in practice, many acts of negligence were documented. The unsanitary conditions of prisons due to overcrowding encouraged the emergence and spread of diseases. There had been reports of seriously ill prisoners, who lost their lives due to lack of care. The Committee would like to be informed on measures taken to ensure solitary confinement was restricted and used as a measure of last resort? What measures had been taken to prevent contracting COVID-19 in prisons? Regarding deaths in police custody, the figure of 48 cases was provided, but with no other information. What were the procedures and mechanisms set up which allowed prisoners to lodge complaints? What were the number of complaints lodged to date? ...
https://www.ohchr.org/en/news/2023/...-commend-burundi-efforts-repatriate-burundian