Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  Thank you, Mr. Chair. First, I want to thank the members of the Subcommittee on International Human Rights for inviting me to appear before them. I also want to thank you for taking the time to focus on the human rights situation in Burundi. I think the initiative is very worthwhile and it may help resolve the current crisis in Burundi.

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  I submitted a written text to the subcommittee, but I would be remiss if I did not go over a few aspects that, in my opinion, are very important to this study. I would especially urge you to err on the side of caution when addressing the Burundian issue. Let’s talk about the nature of the Burundian issue.

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  A short response. Yes. Yes, we saw the crisis coming. There were warning signs, particularly in the statements made by the officials of the governing party specifically about behaviours related to human rights. What could have been done to avoid the situation or what could be done to avoid other crises in the future?

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  We should look at this question in relation to the previous question about the commission of inquiry, which has just been set up by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. The attitude of the current government is not unusual on the world stage. Remember that the same council had set up a commission of inquiry on Syria and a commission of inquiry on Eritrea.

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  Definitely, because information circulates now more than ever. Information flows thanks to social media. Everything that happens to the second in Burundi becomes known around the world. In addition, as I said, the international community is still present in Burundi. It's not that Burundi is closed off.

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  Yes, I think the dialogue is essential given that, as I said in my presentation, the crisis is, above all, political. Dialogue is precisely the best way to resolve political crises. We have experience in that area. The experience has led to the Arusha accord, which is now being challenged by the current government.

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  I would like to add to Ms. Nivyabandi's answer because the issue of torture is also extremely troubling. To avoid repeating the answer that she gave, I would say that Canada could do more to document the cases of torture and possibly to bring to justice those found responsible. Sometimes, people are required to travel here and in countries with which you have co-operative relationships under criminal law.

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  In addition to the institutions that are responsible, we must also say that there are state institutions that could contribute. It's very important that Canada also has this version of things. International intervention is very important, but at the same time it is secondary. The state is the one that has the primary role of protecting the citizens.

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  As I said, the issue of impunity is really a key factor that explains what is happening today. We refer to impunity in relation to crimes committed in the past. I have listed the major events that were actually recorded as having the most serious crimes, including crimes against humanity, war crimes and even crimes of genocide.