At UN, Humanists International Calls on Burundi to Uphold Human Rights Amidst Crackdowns
Publisher: In-Sight Publishing
Publisher Founding: September 1, 2014
Publisher Location: Fort Langley, Township of Langley, British Columbia, Canada
Publication: Freethought Newswire
Original Link: https://humanists.international/2024/09/at-un-humanists-international-calls-on-burundi-to-uphold-human-rights-amidst-crackdowns/
Publication Date: September 24, 2024
Organization: Humanists International
Organization Description: Humanists International is the global representative body at the heart of the humanist movement. Inspired by humanist values, we are optimistic for a world where everyone can have a dignified and fulfilling life. We build, support and represent the global humanist movement and work to champion human rights and secularism. We support democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
At the 57th Session of the UN Human Rights Council, Humanists International have condemned Burundi’s persecution of women, LGBTI+ individuals, and restrictions on press freedom as the country seeks a seat on the UN Human Rights Council
At the 57th Session of the UN Human Rights Council, Humanists International voiced serious concerns about the state of human rights in Burundi. In a statement delivered by Peter Dankwa of the Humanist Association of Ghana, they called for immediate action to address violations, particularly regarding women’s rights, LGBTI+ rights, and freedom of expression. The intervention followed a report by the UN Special Rapporteur on Burundi, which documented widespread human rights abuses.
Dankwa’s statement highlighted the worrying use of religion to justify discriminatory laws and rhetoric in the country. The statement condemned the instrumentalization of Christianity in shaping state policies that curtail the rights of marginalized communities, particularly LGBTI+ individuals. One of the most egregious examples cited was the dehumanizing language used by President Évariste Ndayishimiye, who called for the stoning of LGBTI+ people.
Peter Dankwa delivers the statement by video
In addition to targeting LGBTI+ individuals, Burundi has seen a renewed crackdown on so-called “cohabitation laws”, which criminalize informal living arrangements between unmarried couples. Dankwa reported that this has resulted in the forced displacement of at least 900 women and 3,600 children from their homes, primarily in the north of the country. This policy has been linked to a broader governmental push for moral purity, which has seen an increase in human rights violations perpetrated by state authorities.
Finally, Dankwa concluded his statement by urging the Special Rapporteur to address the role of religious fundamentalism in Burundi’s legal system. He questioned how the international community can ensure that religious ideologies do not shape laws that violate human rights, especially in a country facing political instability and a multidimensional humanitarian crisis.
Delivery of this statement followed the signing of a joint letter alongside over 35 other Non-Governmental Organizations which raised some of the same issues, and called for the exetention of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur.
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