Burundi – The Ruling Power Cannot Hide Its Crimes Indefinitely and with Impunity from the Whole World
“The government will continue to use all available tools to seek to put an end to the climate of impunity in Burundi and allow a political solution to the crisis.”
This is essentially the promise contained in the Canadian government’s response to the sixth report of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development, titled: “Division and Human Rights Violations in Burundi.”
For the Alliance of Burundians in Canada (ABC), this is a highly responsible commitment, characteristic of a true rule-of-law nation. ABC can only welcome this stance, as it strengthens its own commitment to peace in Burundi, which necessarily involves the collapse of the dictatorship and the regime of terror.
Canada’s support is significant, especially given how the Bujumbura regime continues to boast arrogantly about having defeated the international community and divided the United Nations Security Council, weakening its unity and coherence in decisions concerning Burundi. Canada seems to have realized the growing and unacceptable number of vetoes within the Security Council and, through this response, is committing to advocating for restrictions on the use of vetoes in cases of mass atrocities. While Canada acknowledges the challenge of this task, given that it is not a member of the Security Council, it hopes to persuade like-minded countries to push for restraint.
Canada’s Commitment to Monitoring Human Rights in Burundi
Regarding Burundi and the prevailing human rights situation, Canada’s response clearly shows its willingness and commitment to closely monitoring the situation. ABC is highly encouraged by Canada’s stance, especially as it once again denounces the impunity that defines Burundi—a country ravaged by a crisis that was provoked and is maintained by those who should instead take responsibility for resolving it.
Canada’s approach is particularly encouraging because it is based on an accurate and fair analysis of the situation, rather than being influenced by biased or dishonest information from propagandists who are often motivated by circles close to the Bujumbura dictatorship.
The Canadian government’s full response to the sixth report of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade is divided into four key parts regarding human rights in Burundi:
- Canada’s Support for Human Rights Monitoring Efforts in Burundi.
- Canada’s Bilateral Engagement with the Burundian Government.
- Canada’s Promotion of International Interventions through Bilateral and Multilateral Mobilization.
- Canada’s Programs to Support Refugees, Asylum Seekers, and Other Related Projects.
Canada’s Actions to Address Human Rights Violations in Burundi
Based on the above, it is evident that Canada is highly sensitive to the worsening human rights situation in Burundi and is committed to closely monitoring and documenting any abuses. While Canada does not intend to replace organizations responsible for this work, it has taken measures to track any rhetoric with strong ethnic connotations and prevent genocidal acts.
To this end, Canada has allocated $3.6 million to support international monitoring efforts, focusing on detecting early signs of mass atrocities. The Canadian government has also expressed its desire for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in Burundi to continue documenting human rights violations and reporting on them.
Canada’s Diplomatic and Humanitarian Engagement in Burundi
In terms of bilateral engagement, Canada has urged the Burundian government to allow African Union observers and the UN police mission (mandated under Resolution 2303 of 2016) full access to Burundian territory.
Regarding international interventions, Canada strongly believes that coordinated efforts by the African Union, the United Nations, and the East African Community could be effective in addressing the crisis.
Although Canada recognizes the challenges of implementing multilateral measures—given that it is not a permanent member of the UN Security Council—it has pledged to work with like-minded member states to explore the feasibility of sanctions and travel bans against Burundian state officials.
Canada’s Support for Burundian Refugees and Asylum Seekers
Concerning its programs for refugees and asylum seekers, Canada has expressed deep concern about the 400,000 Burundian refugees and remains committed to providing humanitarian aid to support them in host countries.
Canada remains committed to protecting persecuted individuals, which is at the core of its immigration, refugee, and citizenship policy. Between 2015 and 2017, Canada provided $12.95 million to the UNHCR to assist refugees, including Burundians in Tanzania, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Rwanda.
Furthermore, since the start of the Burundian crisis in 2015, Canada has resettled nearly 700 Burundian refugees and granted asylum to 433 applicants between 2015 and 2016. In line with this, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has maintained its moratorium on deportations to Burundi, ensuring temporary suspension of removals.
ABC’s Call for Continued Canadian Support
The Alliance of Burundians in Canada (ABC) wholeheartedly welcomes Canada’s full response and commits to providing any relevant information that may help Canada take further steps to resolve the ongoing crisis in Burundi.
ABC encourages Canada to work alongside all civilized nations that care about Burundi to assist a people in danger, held hostage by self-proclaimed authorities who are leading the country towards disaster.
Done in Ottawa on July 5, 2017
© The Alliance of Burundians in Canada (ABC)