Untitled 3
Burundi: Security Council Extends UN Mission in
Burundi for Another Year as Elections Loom
Source: AllAfrica.com
17 December 2009
The Security Council today extended for another year the United Nations
political mission in Burundi, calling for full support for next year's elections
in the war-scarred African country while voicing concern at continuing human
rights violations, sexual and gender-based violence, restrictions on civil
liberties and political violence.
In a unanimous resolution, the 15-member body called on the
Government to fight corruption and impunity, professionalize and enhance the
capacity of the national security services and the police, and broaden the
respect and protection of human rights.
The UN Integrated Office in Burundi (BINUB), set up in 2006
to assist efforts towards peace and stability after decades of factional and
ethnic fighting between Hutus and Tutsis killed hundreds of thousands of people,
is now set to run until 31 December 2010.
The Council called on the Office to "pay particular
attention on supporting the electoral process, democratic governance, the
consolidation of peace, sustainable reintegration and gender issues," providing
logistical support to the country's national electoral commission if required.
It called on the Government "to take the necessary measures to create an
environment conducive to the holding of free, fair and peaceful elections in
2010."
It also requested Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon "in
particular through BINUB to play a robust political role in support of all
facets of the peace process, in full coordination with sub-regional, regional
and international partners."
Relevant Links
Central Africa
Burundi
International Organisations
It noted with concern "the continuing human rights
violations and restrictions on civil liberties, including restrictions on the
freedom of assembly and expression of the political opposition and
representatives of civil society," while "expressing equal concern for the
reports of violence perpetuated by youth groups associated with some political
parties."
In his latest report to the Council earlier this month, Mr.
Ban voiced similar concerns and noted that while the peace process had witnessed
significant progress in recent months, Burundi needed help to ensure successful
elections and tackle challenges such as human rights abuses, corruption and weak
institutions.
Last week, the Council called on the international
community to support the preparation of elections after Mr. Ban's Executive
Representative Youssef Mahmoud said a lack of funding was challenging the
"significant advances" already made, warning that $3 million was needed by the
end of December to help the electoral commission to carry out its most pressing
tasks.
