From the start of the current crisis, the Government of Burundi has stifled the work of independent media and civil society, although, despite major restrictions on their work, NGOs continue to document and report serious human rights violations in the country. Since this Council discussed Burundi in September 2016, more restrictive measures have been imposed, including the closure of several human rights organizations and introduction of new controls on the work of NGOs. Human rights lawyers have also experienced reprisals. These moves have been mirrored by Burundi’s continued refusal to engage meaningfully with international bodies, such as the Commission of Inquiry.
