Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  Currently, Burundian refugees who are in countries bordering the region—for example, in Tanzania—are very threatened. Sometimes, they are forcibly sent back to the country without their consent. That is why we are asking Canada to support the United Nations High Commissioner for

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  I think that the leaders and presidents who are part of the East African Community do not see the Burundian crisis and its potential outcome in the same way. That is why the dialogue has not advanced over the past three years. Some countries support President Pierre Nkurunziza. S

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  To complement Mr. Nininahazwe's comments, I must say that defence and security forces are indeed politicized in Burundi. Recently, there was a three-month temporary suspension of international NGOs. That suspension was instituted by an advisory body, the National Security Council

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  I did not hear the question.

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  When it comes to the defence reform, I think it is much more a matter of the army and other security services. First, the authorities must align themselves with what was set out in the Arusha agreement in order to reassure all Burundians, given that those security forces have al

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  Could you please repeat the question?

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  Actually, I think the international community should try to stop the worst from happening, particularly in regard to the peacekeeping missions in Somalia and the Central African Republic. The international community should cease or suspend the missions because the money they gene

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  The African Union hasn't done anything about the crimes being committed in Burundi since the crisis began. It has had observers there since the beginning, but I don't believe they've produced any reports on the human rights violations. As far as I know, they aren't permitted to v

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  Thank you for the question. Indeed, there has been an escalation in human rights violations in Burundi, according to the data we have for the period from January to October 2018. I also mentioned the hate speech coming from the country's top officials, not the least of whom is

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  Okay. As to cases of sexual assault, rape has become a routine occurrence in Burundi. They are committed nearly across the board, even without regard for age. Very young children are targeted, as are seniors. I have already sent you my presentation. You can review the photos and

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  Okay, thank you.

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  Okay. My presentation will focus on the political impasse and the risk of an explosion of violence. First, I will show how the failure of the fifth and final round of the Inter-Burundi Dialogue led by the East African Community is deepening Burundi's political impasse and incr

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  Thank you very much for the opportunity to speak. My name is Armel Niyongere. I am a lawyer. I am also the president of Action des chrétiens pour l'abolition de la torture au Burundi and the director of SOS-Torture/Burundi. I am counsel to the victims in the International Crimin