Zeid warns against reprisals after failed coup; fears
Burundi heading towards further chaos
GENEVA (15 May 2015) – The UN High Commissioner for Human
Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein on Friday said there is a real risk of Burundi
descending into further chaos, and called upon the authorities to ensure that
the instigators of the failed coup are not harmed and that there are no
reprisals against their perceived supporters, journalists, human rights
defenders and the many ordinary civilians who have been protesting against the
Government.
“I am deeply worried by the extremely tense situation in
Burundi. We are receiving alarming messages from human rights defenders and
journalists fearing for their safety.
I urge the Burundian authorities to
ensure their protection and to guarantee that there will be no unlawful
reprisals following Wednesday’s failed coup,” Zeid said.
“I also urge all armed forces and non-state actors to
refrain from taking violent actions and to pay special attention to the
protection of civilians in this highly volatile context,” he added.
“In the
light of calls made by the civil society to restart the demonstrations in
Bujumbura, I urge the Burundian authorities to ensure that security forces
comply fully with the country’s international human rights obligations and
international standards on policing demonstrations, including the UN Code of
Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials and the UN Basic Principles on the Use of
Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials.”
The High Commissioner said he was deeply concerned by
reports of attacks on both private and state media over the past two days. “I
call for a re-opening of all media outlets and respect for the independence of
journalists,” he said.
“There is also an urgent need to ensure the safety of
human rights defenders, some of whom have gone into hiding, fearing for their
lives. My office was contacted earlier today by one of Burundi’s most prominent
human rights defenders, Pierre-Claver Mbonimpa, who fled his home after
receiving death threats,” Zeid said.
“Those who incite or engage in acts of mass violence
should be aware that they are liable to be prosecuted by competent judicial
bodies, as reflected in the recent statement by the Chief Prosecutor of the
International Criminal Court,” the High Commissioner warned.
Zeid also voiced concerns that the intimidation of
civilians, including by the armed militia attached to the youth movement known
as the Imbonerakure, could result in an even greater humanitarian crisis. More
than 105,000 refugees have now fled to neighbouring countries, with reports of
rapidly deteriorating sanitary conditions in some locations where large numbers
of refugees have gathered, such as Kagunga in Tanzania.
ENDS
For further information and media requests, please
contact Rupert Colville (+41 22 917 9767 / rcolville@ohchr.org) or Cécile
Pouilly (+41 22 917 9310 / cpouilly@ohchr.org)
UN Human Rights, follow us on social media:
Twitter: http://twitter.com/UNrightswire
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/UNOHCHR
Nema komentara:
Objavi komentar