HRC60 – Item 4: General comments on draft resolution L.13 about the situation of human rights in Burundi

Geneva, 6 October 2025

Statement delivered by Ambassador Vasilika Hysi, Permanent Representative

Mr. President,

Albania thanks to the European Union for presenting resolution L.13.

As the Special Rapporteur on Burundi highlighted last month, the situation of human rights has unfortunately not improved and remains alarming.

We appreciate that the resolution presented by the European Union remains balanced and keeps a rather neutral tone, while drawing from the latest reports and communiqués from UN Special Procedures to update the text.

We welcome the fact that the 2025 elections were largely peaceful, but we also echo the concerns of Special Procedures and this resolution about the conditions in which these were held – with reports of forced registration of voters, forced collective payment of funds, threats for those who refused, a closure of the civic space, and arbitrary arrests of journalists.

The protection for human rights defenders, activists, civil society and journalists – all of whom are subjected to growing human rights violations – is an important aspect of free and fair elections.

We also support the fact that the resolution gives more space to the issue of economic, social and cultural rights, something that is particularly relevant in the case of Burundi.

Finally, we support the adoption of this important resolution.

 

Thank you.