The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights at its 57th Ordinary Session held in Banjul, the Gambia from 4 November to 18 November 2015:
Considering its mandate to promote and protect human and people’s rights in Africa envisaged under Article 45 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the African Charter);
Recalling its resolution ACHPR/Res.309 (EXT.OS/XVIII) 2015 on the human rights situation in Burundi;
Cognizant of the AU Peace and Security Council’s communiqué PSC/PR/COMM.(DLI) adopted at the 551st meeting of the Council held in Addis Ababa on 17 October 2015 requesting the African Commission to undertake an in-depth investigation into the human rights violations and other abuses in Burundi;
Further noting the AU Peace and Security Council’s communiqué PSC/PR/COMM.(DLVII) adopted at the 557th meeting of the Council held in Addis Ababa on 13 November 2015 recalling its request for investigation into the human rights violations in Burundi and expressing deep concern about reports of human rights violations in Burundi;
Equally concerned about the human rights situation and the loss of life and human suffering as well as the worsening humanitarian situation resulting in unabating displacement of people and the ensuing flow of refugees into neighboring countries;
Taking into account the right of all peoples to peace and security guaranteed under Article 23 of the African Charter and expressing its deep concern about the threat the current situation poses to the peace and security of the people of Burundi and neighboring countries;
Expressing its full support for the initiatives of the East African Community (EAC) for mediating in the Burundi crisis and welcoming the call of the Peace and Security Council for the prompt convening of open and constructive dialogue among Burundian stakeholders;
Recognizing the urgent need for instituting measures for averting further violations of human rights;
The Commission:
1. Expresses its readiness to undertake a fact-finding mission into the human rights situation in Burundi as a matter of urgency;
2. Calls on the Government of Burundi to cooperate with the Commission and authorize the fact finding mission urgently;
3. Urges the EAC and the AU to facilitate the mission of the Commission and to take the necessary steps ensure, as part of the mediation efforts, that all violations of human rights are halted forthwith;
4. Calls on the Government of Burundi and all concerned political stakeholders to positively respond to the request for dialogue and avail themselves for engaging in the dialogue in order to bring about peace and stability to the people of Burundi and the wider region.
Adopted on 17 November 2015 at the 57th Ordinary Session of the African Commission held in Banjul, the Gambia
