UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS WELCOMES DEVELOPMENTS IN BURUNDI PEACE PROCESS

7 November 2001




United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson has welcomed the installation of a Transitional Government in Burundi on 1 November 2001 as the first step forward in the implementation of the Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement signed on 28 August 2000. The installation of the Transitional Government has been hailed by Secretary-General Kofi Annan as "a defining moment in the history of Burundi and its long-suffering people."

"I congratulate the facilitator, Madiba Nelson Mandela, the leaders of the region, and the Burundian parties for this hopeful step forward", the High Commissioner said. She appealed to the Force pour la défense de la démocratie (FDD) and the Forces Nationales de la Libération (FNL) to stop immediately all hostilities, to put an end to violence against civilians, and engage in negotiations for a cease-fire, as well as to join the implementation of the peace process. Mrs. Robinson also urged the Transitional Government to respect and protect the human rights of all Burundians.

"The Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement has important human rights dimensions", the High Commissioner noted, recalling that her Office in Burundi has, for a number of years now, been working with Burundians to help monitor the situation of human rights in the country, to observe trials, to support local human rights organizations, and to act for the promotion and the protection of human rights generally.

"I consider that in the period ahead the monitoring of human rights, the administration of justice and strengthening of the rule of law, and promotional, prevention and protection activities will continue to be central to the consolidation of peace and to peace-building anchored in human rights", Mrs. Robinson said. She added that she is discussing with partners ways and means of stepping up human rights activities in the peace-building process in Burundi.




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