YouSaid · the spoken record

Landgren

lines on the record: 355
first: 2009-05-05
most recent: 2023-11-14
sittings or episodes: 20
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“Views differ on whether Liberia should engage in comprehensive constitutional reform or simply amend selected provisions. Any revision must be endorsed by referendum, which implies a high degree of public awareness. A truly inclusive and consultative process holds one of the keys to overcoming the structural imbalances and injustices that continue to present risks for the stability of the country. As the Secretary-General's special report of this April (S/2012/230) underlined, a highly centralized system of governance is rooted in the current Constitution. Reform opens the door to greater decentralization and to allowing all Liberians to enjoy dependable access to services and greater political inclusion. Such reforms are also manifestly a factor in national reconciliation.”
2012-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6830 (2012) · source
“These hubs decentralize justice and security services, historically centred in Monrovia, bringing them closer to rural populations. Constitutional reform and national reconciliation are recognized as central to peace consolidation in Liberia. In August, the President appointed a five- person constitution review committee, whose members represent various political, ethnic and religious backgrounds. The scope of the committee's task has not yet been made public. Separately, a constitutional reform initiative has been advanced by a group called the Political Consultative Forum, composed of all major political parties, including the ruling party, and civil society groups. The Law Reform Commission and the Governance Commission are also engaged, and the Liberia Bar Association has recently made recommendations in this area.”
2012-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6830 (2012) · source
“A new police law, a civilian complaints board and legislation on gun control are part of the scaffolding for a sound security sector, joining last month's establishment of a national small arms commission. Strengthened security capacity and regulation will need to be matched with a strongerjustice system if the public is to have confidence in the State's capacity to protect and provide justice. The Justice and Security Joint Programme, agreed among all rule oflaw actors in December 2011, coherently captures national priorities, and will guide the development of this sector over the next three years. The programme includes five justice and security hubs, the first of which is soon to be completed with funding from the Peacebuilding Fund.”
2012-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6830 (2012) · source
“Given the porosity of Liberia's borders and the security and political challenges in the Mano River Union, supporting the Government to form an effective and professional immigration service is a high priority. The United Nations Police will form a dedicated unit to work with the Government on the strategic plan of the Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization. Through this, the Bureau should emerge with better-defined functions and a rationalized structure. Vetting of Bureau personnel is also central to these reforms. Building the capacity of the security sector needs to be properly framed. As important as numbers is police professionalism. Liberia's national security strategy, and a drive to implement the security related legislation signed into law last year, can help to achieve this.”
2012-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6830 (2012) · source
“After the transition workshop, the Government was able to identify additional resources for the police, reportedly as much as a 26-per cent increase from last year. Of particular concern, however, is a decreased allocation for the police training academy at a time when the need is so great to scale up LNP recruitment and training. The Police Support Unit and the Emergency Response Unit - specialized bodies responsible for riot control and quick reaction - will become central to national response to security incidents as UNMIL draws down. The strength of the Police Support Unity needs to grow to at least 1,000, of which it is currently over 25 per cent short, mindful always of maintaining quality and professionalism.”
2012-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6830 (2012) · source
“The recent public expenditure review of the Liberian security sector, conducted by UNMIL and the World Bank, concluded that it would take another six or seven years until Liberia can cover these costs independently. In the meantime, donor support will be essential. The Liberia National Police (LNP) has made headway, recently doubling its physical capacity at the police academy and, in June, deploying to the C6te d'Ivoire border with the Armed Forces of Liberia. But given the relatively large burden the police will bear as UNMIL transitions, considerable attention should be given to increasing police professionalism and logistics capacity. Also, increased resources will be needed for recurring costs.”
2012-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6830 (2012) · source
“As the technical assessment mission concluded, national security agencies are not yet able to maintain stability without the support of UNMIL. The technical assessment mission also set out other areas that continue to need attention. How best to address capacity needs was a major theme of our recent workshop, and Liberia's international partners - including Ambassador Tillander, the Chair of the Liberia country configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission - were heavily engaged. With a growing annual budget - at $672 million for 2012-2013, up by nearly a quarter on last year - Liberia is increasingly able to find national resources to help finance the security sector. But the country has many competing priorities.”
2012-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6830 (2012) · source
“During its visit in May, the Council saw first hand both Liberia's promise as well as the remaining challenges. The Government is firmly committed to taking on the security responsibilities now performed by the Mission. On the basis of a recent joint transition workshop held by the Government and UNMIL, we have updated our joint planning structures and are reviewing the linkages between these structures, donor coordination mechanisms and Liberia's development frameworks for greater coherence. We have designed a graphic road map to help illustrate phase by phase the demands on the Liberian security sector and to give the Government the necessary lead time to adjust its security posture. Addressing capacity gaps in the security sector will be important to a successful and well-managed transition.”
2012-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6830 (2012) · source
“With Liberia on the verge of becoming a true success story, the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) must walk a delicate balance, applauding successes and pulling back its support while continuing to accompany Liberia in areas crucial to lasting peace. The United Nations continues to provide security support to Liberia on a significant scale. But, as the Secretary- General notes in his report, security measures alone will not create lasting stability in Liberia. The reinforcement of the national security sector should go hand in hand with national reconciliation and structural changes aimed at addressing the underlying causes of past conflict. Achieving that, however, will take both political commitment and financial resources.”
2012-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6830 (2012) · source
“Ms. Landgren: The report ofthe Secretary-General now before the Council (S/2012/64l) continues to reflect this year's particular focus on the evolution of United Nations engagement in Liberia. Since 2003, Liberia has transformed itself from a failed State into one well along the path to democracy and lasting peace. The country has made remarkable progress in institutional rebuilding, economic recovery and consolidation of its democratic processes. The presidential and legislative elections of 2011 demonstrated its capacity to manage a politically and logistically complex event. The subsequent peaceful formation of a new Government signaled the country's increased stability.”
2012-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6830 (2012) · source
“As I conclude my assignment to Burundi, I wish to extend my warmest thanks to all BNUB's interlocutors and, particularly here in New York, the former and current Burundian Permanent Representatives Ambassador Zacharie Gahutu and Ambassador Hermenegilde Niyonzima, for their collaborative spirit and their generosity in imparting knowledge about Burundi. I also thank former Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Lynn Pascoe, all my colleagues and Ambassador Paul Seger of the Peacebuilding Commission. I convey all my good wishes to my successor, Mr. Parfait Onanga-Anyanga.”
2012-07-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6799 (2012) · source
“The people of Burundi have the right to make peace with their past and to craft a brighter future, accompanied by international partners. It should no longer surprise us that war-torn countries do not put away their weapons and blossom instantly as plural and stable democracies with functioning institutions, accountable Governments, responsive parliaments, rights-respecting security forces and tolerant populations. As last year's [itals] World Development Report [end itals] concluded, peace consolidation must be pursued and assessed on a generational time scale. In the meantime, this fragile, beautiful and courageous country has traveled a long and difficult distance along the road of peace consolidation in little over a decade.”
2012-07-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6799 (2012) · source
“Parallel and extra-legal measures of repression continue to undermine the rule of law. Powerful pockets of resistance to transitional justice have emerged. Corruption, if allowed to persist, risks undermining the very institutions that will advance Burundi's development. But Burundi can look with pride to successes in its recent past, including its integrated army, which now deploys six battalions to the African Union force in Somalia. In a recent nationwide opinion survey, the army scored a confidence rating of 79.3 per cent. Freedom of expression in Burundi comes at a price, but it exists, nonetheless, to a degree rare in many other countries emerging from conflict. It merits nurturing as a strength and an asset. This is a moment for decisive and confident leadership.”
2012-07-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6799 (2012) · source
“Within six months, BNUB anticipates providing baseline data and assessments, with observations on timing and trends for each issue and on BNUB's role, where appropriate. Burundi labours under the heavy historical memory of what Burundians call the dark years. It is less than 20 years since political and ethnic violence roiled the country, and less than a decade since civil war still raged. The Burundian people have had the courage to make hard compromises. As a result, Burundi in 2012, celebrating its 50 years of independence, looks immeasurably different. But Burundi in 2012 is also at a crossroads. Determination will be required in continuing to develop democratic institutions that are trusted by the public as legitimate and authoritative. There are challenges in discarding old attitudes that label dissenters as enemies.”
2012-07-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6799 (2012) · source
“Those benchmarks and their associated indicators were devised through discussion and consultation with the Government of Burundi, as well as with the broader United Nations country team in Burundi and the United Nations Integrated Task Force on Burundi here in New York. Consistent with best practice, those include indicators related to Burundi's broad progress in peace consolidation and indicators related to progress in accomplishing the BNUB mandate. Within those indicators, which seek to capture the range of endeavours relevant to stability, BNUB anticipates further refining those relating to its own role and to that of the country team. Ideally, those benchmarks offer a long-range framework for discussions with the Government of Burundi.”
2012-07-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6799 (2012) · source
“These solutions are reflected in Burundi's second-generation poverty reduction strategy, validated by the Government and its international partners in February 2012. The strategy addresses peacebuilding as well as development priorities, reducing the stress of multiple planning frameworks on a system with limited capacity. A development partners conference is planned for late October and will be supported by the United Nations and other partners. In May, the Secretary-General communicated to the Council benchmarks for the eventual transition from a special political mission * BNUB - to a regular United Nations country team, as requested by resolutions 1959 (2010) and 2027 (2011).”
2012-07-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6799 (2012) · source
“An overwhelming reliance on agriculture, coupled with a high birth rate, creates extraordinary pressures on land and other resources. This year, an estimated 35,400 refugees are expected to return to Burundi from Tanzania. The National Commission on Land and other Issues, the national body responsible for handling land disputes, continues to address difficult cases and to have its findings contested. Balancing the interests of those who return and of those who stayed behind is delicate and, at times, incendiary. Solutions include developing alternative livelihoods beyond subsistence agriculture and strengthening education at all levels, including vocational training for youth.”
2012-07-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6799 (2012) · source
“The Ministry of Good Governance intends to assign inspectors to work within the ministries and will, with the Ministry of Justice, establish a consultative mechanism to follow up sensitive corruption files. The two ministries have already set up a committee to revise the 2006 law on the prevention and fight against corruption and related offences, including a review of the burden of proof when corruption is suspected. The great majority of Burundians continue to live in conditions of extreme socio-economic difficulty, and the country has been grappling with the impact of persistent shocks stemming from the high prices of food and petroleum products, in addition to a sharp decline in budget support. Food insecurity persists in many parts of the country, producing chronic malnutrition among children.”
2012-07-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6799 (2012) · source
“The Office recently came under severe pressure, including interrogations of its staff and, according to reports, a mid-May document from the National Intelligence Service accusing its leadership, Burundi's donor partners, and even the Second Vice-President, of acting in a manner hostile to the interests of the Government. The President subsequently expressed confidence in the Revenue Office and the Second Vice-President, two offices that I and many partners regard as central to Burundi's reform efforts. Measures have also been taken towards the implementation of the Strategy for Good Governance and the Fight against Corruption, adopted in October 2011.”
2012-07-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6799 (2012) · source
“Strengthened public administration is both a goal and a requirement for Burundi to consolidate peace and democracy and accelerate equitable economic development. The Government has stated its intention to erase Burundi from the list of the world's poorest countries by 2020 and to have zero tolerance for corruption. In 2011 Burundi moved up by eight places to number 169 in the world rankings for ease of doing business. The Burundi Revenue Office contributed broader and more efficient tax collection, outperforming revenue expectations by nearly 20 per cent.”
2012-07-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6799 (2012) · source
“Critical issues include the exclusion from amnesty of those guilty of grave human rights violations or war crimes, the eventual composition and inclusiveness of the truth and reconciliation commission, the establishment of a special tribunal and its relation to the commission, and the protection of victims and witnesses. President Nkurunziza subsequently indicated that the commission would be set up before the end of 2012. In April, the Government offered to share with the United Nations a revised draft law prior to its consideration by the Council of Ministers. On 8 June, the First Vice-President told the international community that the issue would be taken up in the second half of 2012 and that a law is under consideration.”
2012-07-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6799 (2012) · source
“The Council will recall that Burundi's commitment to creating transitional justice mechanisms received a boost in 2011, when the Government set up a technical committee that produced a draft law and a proposed budget in October and foresaw the work of the truth and reconciliation commission beginning in January 2012. By letter of 19 December, the Secretariat provided comments on the draft law, highlighting changes required to bring it in line both with international norms and standards and with the expectations of the Burundian people, expressed through the 2009 national consultations process. We remain confident that Burundi will fulfil the commitments made at Arusha in 2000 and reiterated many times since.”
2012-07-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6799 (2012) · source
“Pre-trial detention has been reduced from 52 per cent of all detainees in 2011 to 45 per cent in 2012, up to 31 May. On 25 June, President Nkurunziza issued a decree pardoning certain categories ofprisoners and commuting to life imprisonment death sentences passed before the death penalty was abolished in 2009. Those measures have the potential to reduce the prison population significantly and to provide immediate relief from prison overcrowding. Preparatory work has begun for a national conference onjustice, supported by BNUB, and we anticipate an inclusive and transparent national debate.”
2012-07-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6799 (2012) · source
“While there remain long-term challenges to the rule of law in Burundi, the judicial system has registered some progress since my last briefing. The Ministry of Justice adopted its 2011-2015 strategic plan, which focuses on enhancing the independence ofthe judiciary, improving access to justice and strengthening criminal justice. The Ministry is also finalizing a new code of penal procedure, including guidelines for prosecutors, and BNUB and partners continue to support the professionalization of magistrates. For BNUB, such support forms part of a comprehensive United Nations strategy on the reform of the justice sector in Burundi, which prioritizes the independence of the judiciary and the accountability of magistrates. BNUB and partners continue to provide technical assistance in respect of prison overcrowding and pre-trial detention.”
2012-07-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6799 (2012) · source
“Most were apparently perpetrated by members of the police, including six victims killed in alleged prison escapes. Documented instances of torture have dropped from 36 cases in 2011 to 11 cases since the beginning of 2012. On 22 May, the verdict was handed down in the trial for the murder of Ernest Manirumva, the late Vice-President of the anti-corruption NGO Observatoire de lutte contre la corruption et les malversations economiques. Mr. Manirumva was killed while investigating several sensitive cases, including allegations of large-scale police corruption and illegal weapons purchases. While 14 individuals received lengthy prison terms, in this case, as in the case of the Gatumba massacre, seemingly important lines of inquiry - possibly pertaining to high-ranking officials - were not followed during the investigation.”
2012-07-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6799 (2012) · source
“As the Council will recall, the United Nations documented 61 extrajudicial executions in the course of 2011. Of the 61 cases, perpetrators in 10 cases have been sentenced. In five of those 10 cases, victims were members of the police or Government officials. Of the remaining 51 cases, nine are still in court, while in seven others the authorities claim to have insufficient evidence to open a case file. No action has been taken in the other 35 cases. That continuing impunity reflects challenges faced by the judicial system as a whole, including a lack of independence and significant capacity gaps. In the first six months of 2012, the United Nations has documented 13 cases of extrajudicial killings - a high number, but a reduction from 2011.”
2012-07-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6799 (2012) · source
“Following the strike, which was unevenly observed, discussions were held among the authorities, civil society and trade unions on the high cost of living, and the Government subsequently adopted some remedial measures. With assistance from the United Nations, a technical committee has been set up by the Ministry of the Interior to create a more permanent framework for dialogue on any issues of common concern that may arise. Burundi has continued to make institutional progress on human rights. The National Independent Human Rights Commission, set up in June 2011, has already investigated several sensitive cases involving the security forces. Human rights violations persist, including extrajudicial executions, torture and the excessive use of force, as does impunity for such crimes.”
2012-07-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6799 (2012) · source
“After alleging that a member of the national intelligence service was implicated in a torture case, the human rights organization Association pour la protection des droits humains et des personnes detenues was threatened with severe sanctions if it failed to provide evidence. Those two cases reflect a broader pattern of pressure and intimidation. This period has also seen the Government and civil society organizations cooperate in defusing potentially volatile situations. Following sharp rises in the price of food and utilities, some civil society organizations and trade unions called for a general strike on 27 March. That was denounced by the authorities, whose warnings included the threat to withdraw the NGO status of participating organizations.”
2012-07-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6799 (2012) · source
“BNUB looks forward to working with all partners to promote the further normalization of political relations, and continues to plan for a participatory exercise on applying lessons from the 2010 elections to the preparation and conduct of the 2015 elections. (spoke in English) Civil society has continued to raise awareness on issues from human rights and corruption to rising food prices, but it has also continued to come under pressure and, occasionally, threat for doing so. In February, Mr. Faustin Ndikumana, President of the advocacy group Parole et action pour le reveil des consciences et l'evolution des mentalites, was jailed for two weeks following his statement alleging corrupt practices in the recruitment ofjudges.”
2012-07-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6799 (2012) · source
“Heads of extra-parliamentary opposition groups have firmly denied accusations by the Group of Experts on the Democratic Republic of the Congo in its final report in December 2011 (S/2011/738, enclosure) that they were complicit in attempts to galvanize a new insurgency. The Government has reiterated its willingness to accept the return of extra-parliamentary figures currently outside the country, and the presidential spokesperson said on 29 June that those who return can choose their bodyguards from among the ranks of the Burundi security forces. On 1 July a member of the extra-parliamentary opposition, Pancras Cimpaye, returned to Burundi from exile for the fiftieth anniversary of independence.”
2012-07-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6799 (2012) · source
“More recently, opposition parties have contested the new law on the workings and organization of political parties, establishing new conditions for the registration of all parties. Its entry into force has been deferred. Since the end of March there have been a number of direct contacts between members of the Conseil national pour la de'fense de la democratic-Forces nationales pour la defense de la democratie and the extra-parliamentary opposition. Especially notable are the 28 May meeting in Caux, Switzerland, organized by the non-governmental organization (NGO) Initiative and Change, and a workshop in the National Assembly on draft legislation on the status of opposition parties, held 28 March in Bujumbura. That increased engagement has led in general to a more moderate tone on all sides.”
2012-07-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6799 (2012) · source
“Looking ahead to the 2015 elections, the need for political parties to function with full freedom takes on fresh urgency. The United Nations has documented several cases in which political parties have been prevented from going about their everyday activities, especially in the provinces outside of Bujumbura. A legal obligation to give advance notice of public meetings would be seen by local administrators and the police as a requirement to permit political parties to call meetings. The extrajudicial executions of several political party members in 2011 and the January 2012 arrest in Tanzania of Alexis Sinduhije, head of the Movement for Solidarity and Development party, also had a dampening effect on parties outside the ruling coalition. Arrested at the request of the Burundian authorities, Mr. Sinduhije was released after 13 days.”
2012-07-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6799 (2012) · source
“As this will be my final briefing to the Council on Burundi, I intend to focus particularly on matters that merit attentive management by Burundi's leadership in the coming months ifthe country is to fulfil its promise of stability, democracy and development. One is the importance of political dialogue; others fall broadly under the rubric of accountability in the political and financial spheres, including freedom of expression and assembly, addressing the human rights abuses of the past and the present, and enhancing public financial management. I will also look ahead and address the issue of the United Nations transition, taking account of the benchmarks circulated to the Council in May 2012. As the Council is aware, the United Nations has continued to encourage the normalization of relations among all political parties and groups.”
2012-07-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6799 (2012) · source
“Resolution 2027 (2011) of last December noted Burundi's progress towards peace, stability and development, and charged the United Nations Office in Burundi (BNUB) and its partners with supporting further consolidation. Since my last briefing (see S/PV.6677), Burundi has continued to advance strategies for critical sectors, notably by adopting its new poverty reduction strategy and beginning to implement its strategy for good governance and the fight against corruption. The country has remained free of large-scale violence, and the Government has strengthened security throughout the territory. The country continues, however, to experience a disturbing underlying climate of impunity and extrajudicial killings. At the same time, there have been some encouraging contacts between the Government and the extra-parliamentary opposition.”
2012-07-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6799 (2012) · source
“I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Burundi's new Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, Ambassador Hermene'gilde Niyonzima, and also to thank outgoing Permanent Representative Ambassador Zacharie Gahutu for the good cooperation we enjoyed. The road out of past violence is long and difficult, as the world knows. In 2012, Burundi is 11-62586 expected to take further strides along that road by initiating a formal process of truth, reconciliation and justice. It is understood that this process must be an inclusive one. Further ahead lie the 2015 elections, which President Nkurunziza recently called on all political actors to start preparing for. In addressing the continuing challenges of peace consolidation and development, Burundi's Government and people deserve our continued commitment and strong support.”
2011-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6677 (2011) · source
“When this mission phases out, it will be important for the United Nations and other partners to continue to give support to strengthening national institutions. Our priority now is to have a common vision for this within the mission and the United Nations country team and to anchor these elements within the work of the team. Meanwhile, there is good collaboration among us, including on a number of projects such as a programme funded through a $9.2 million contribution from the Peacebuilding Fund, to support the sustainable socio- economic reintegration of marginalized populations in three provinces bordering the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We continue to search for additional funding for this vital sector to cover other provinces where the needs are equally pressing.”
2011-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6677 (2011) · source
“On Burundi's democratic process, we would expect to see continuing progress in the resolution of political differences through dialogue and engagement. On the country's security and stability, we should expect a security structure and related democratic oversight enabling Burundi to respond effectively to domestic and international security concerns while respecting global norms and rights. We anticipate continuing progress in transitional justice. We foresee legitimate, democratic and accountable institutions, from the national to the local levels. We look for an increasingly independent, accessible and credible justice system and a deepening culture of promoting and protecting human rights. I look forward to reporting to the Council on these proposed benchmarks in greater detail.”
2011-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6677 (2011) · source
“As we anticipate that positive evolution, continued strong regional engagement will be required, as well as a common approach among partner Governments, regional organizations and the United Nations, in our support of Burundi's peace consolidation and economic development efforts. As the report of the Secretary-General indicates, we have had a smooth and efficient transition from the former and larger mission, the United Nations Integrated Office in Burundi, to our new light footprint in BNUB. This remains an integrated mission, albeit with a structure intended to facilitate the eventual transition to a United Nations country team presence. BNUB has worked on draft benchmarks to prepare the way for this transition. Let me mention briefly the principal benchmarks which are being developed.”
2011-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6677 (2011) · source
“Burundi's physical, economic, social and legal pressures must be addressed and managed so as to reinforce, and not undermine, the consolidation of the country's hard-won peace. Burundi is in the final phase of completing its second poverty reduction strategy, which offers a systematic basis from which the country, with its partners, can address its economic and socio-political challenges. The Government, the United Nations, the World Bank and the Peacebuilding Commission are working together to shape a partners' event for 2012 that will be an opportunity to showcase the good progress made and to attract both aid and investment.”
2011-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6677 (2011) · source
“The United Nations will continue to extend full support to all such efforts, and to encourage the enhancement of national investigative efforts through the routine conduct of autopsies and the use of forensic investigations. As the Council is well aware, those developments are unfolding against a backdrop of extreme poverty. The report before the Council sets out a snapshot of those privations, which are exacerbated by high population density and youth unemployment. The nexus between land pressure and population growth is a particular concern. While Burundi has made significant gains in school education, it has fallen behind in achieving the Millennium Development Goals for poverty reduction, gender equality, maternal and child mortality, access to safe drinking water, undernourishment and the prevalence of HIV/AIDS.”
2011-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6677 (2011) · source
“It is the firm expectation of the United Nations that the Government will take quick and decisive measures to prevent killings linked to its own agents and to investigate and punish those responsible. Many of those concerns have already been raised in the 31 May report (A/HRC/17/50) by the former independent expert on the Human Rights situation in Burundi, Mr. Fatsah Ouguergouz, who recommended 3 that the Government take all necessary steps to bring to justice the members of the defence and security forces, as well as any other persons suspected of having perpetrated gross human rights violations. The independent expert also urged the Government to pursue and enhance its efforts towards the strengthening of the judiciary, including the recruitment and independence of magistrates.”
2011-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6677 (2011) · source
“In recent months, several prominent members of Burundi's dynamic community of human rights defenders have been summoned before the Prosecutor's office in the Bujumbura Mairie for questioning, as have representatives of civil society and the media. Lawyers, too, have faced imprisonment. An independent media, civil society and judiciary have important roles to play in peace consolidation. I am concerned that those roles are being constrained. The consolidation of peace in Burundi also remains marred by politically motivated killings. Since the report (8/2011/751) of the Secretary-General was prepared, BNUB has documented a further 11 cases of suspected extrajudicial killings, bringing the number of cases documented by the mission to 57 for the period 1 January to 30 November.”
2011-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6677 (2011) · source
“A positive solution to outstanding issues will serve to strengthen the confidence of the international community, which will make it possible for it provide its full support and the necessary resources for this long-awaited process to allow Burundi to take responsibility for its past. We look forward to continuing our engagement with the Government and other partners in order to arrive at a process that closely adheres to international standards. (spoke in English) The National Independent Human Rights Commission, established through a law consistent with the Paris Principles, is another noteworthy achievement of 2011. Since its members' swearing-in, in June, the Commission has gotten straight to work. This comes at a time of continuing human rights challenges in Burundi.”
2011-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6677 (2011) · source
“The report proposes a truth and reconciliation commission made up solely of Burundians, while the national consultations recommended a commission composed of both Burundians and non-Burundians. Those 11-62586 consultations also recommended that the recruitment panel be made up of representatives of the Government, civil society and the United Nations - something not provided for in the draft law. I commend the collaboration between the Government and the United Nations system that marked the preparatory phase, during which we provided experts along with material and logistical support.”
2011-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6677 (2011) · source
“Laurent Kavakure, current Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and former Chair of the committee, formally transmitted that report to me. The report's main purpose concerns the draft law. As a whole, it reaffirms the fundamental principles of the truth and reconciliation commission. It reiterates the principles of commission's independence and impartiality, clearly states that the commission will not be a judicial mechanism and charges the commission with identifying all violations and crimes. Nevertheless, it states that the work of the commission should not prejudice the competencies of the special tribunal. Some provisions do not reflect the recommendations of the national consultations on transitional justice concluded in 2010.”
2011-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6677 (2011) · source
“Allow me once again to take this opportunity to commend the important role played by Burundi, despite its own challenges, to strengthen peace and security in the region. In the context of the African Union Mission in Somalia, Burundi has deployed many troops to Somalia and has experienced tragic losses. Burundi has made significant progress this year in the area of transitional justice. A technical committee was established in June to consider Burundi's commitments and international practice in that area, as well as to develop a draft law and budget on a truth and reconciliation commission. The committee presented its report to President Nkurunziza on 18 October. On 18 November, Mr.”
2011-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6677 (2011) · source
“Burundi was commended for its contribution to expanding integration through the implementation of the protocol 11-62586 on a common market and the progress made in the discussions on a single currency and political federation. The debate was characterized by that vision for expanded integration and by Burundi's attachment to an increasingly dynamic East African Community. That provides an opportunity to strengthen the country's stability and democratization. Nevertheless, for many Burundians the East African Community remains an elusive concept. Burundi's capacity to benefit from it still needs to be strengthened. The United Nations Office in Burundi (BNUB) is endeavouring to continue its support to the Government so as to enable it to move ahead with its integration process.”
2011-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6677 (2011) · source
“All Burundian political stakeholders should be encouraged to demand an end to assassinations and disassociation from armed groups. For a country still emerging from many years of conflict, Burundi should be commended for the relative political freedom in the context of its post-transition Constitution. There is now a need to ensure that there is no backsliding with regard to the political space, including as a result of harassing the media and civil society. The country's future is reflected in Burundi's one-year presidency of the East African Community, which culminated in the holding of a summit in Bujumbura on 30 November that was marked by optimism, hope and determination.”
2011-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6677 (2011) · source
“The Government often expressed its willingness to engage in dialogue, as realized by the First Vice-President in the launching of quarterly meetings with the registered political parties. The Alliance democratique pour le changement-Ikibiri did not participate in those meetings. I encourage the Government and the parties to tirelessly pursue efforts at dialogue. The prospects for normalizing relations between the Government and the extra-parliamentary opposition were overshadowed by the arrests and, above all, the assassinations of members of some of those parties, as well as by reliable information about recruitment, organization and paramilitary training carried out by members of certain opposition groups and parties.”
2011-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6677 (2011) · source
“2 The 21 people arrested after the attack were indicted last month, and the six accused of planning the attack have been charged with crimes against humanity. The defence has challenged several aspects of the trial's procedure, including alleging that counsel had no access to their clients or to the report of the commission of inquiry. The trial will be closely followed and will be a decisive test of the independence and impartiality of Burundi's judicial system. Nevertheless, I want to emphasize that the attack was fundamentally an isolated incident and that the security situation in the country remains generally calm. The past six months have seemed to point the way towards normalization of relations between the Government and the extra-parliamentary political parties.”
2011-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6677 (2011) · source