The Independent National Human Rights Commission (CNIDH) of Burundi has just obtained major international recognition. It retains its A status, a guarantee of its independence and compliance with the Paris Principles. This decision, taken on March 25 by the accreditation subcommittee of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), puts an end to the uncertainties surrounding the institution’s future.

INFO SOS Médias Burundi

This is a threat of demotion avoided.

For a year, the CNIDH has been under intense scrutiny, with a risk of downgrading to B status next May. This threat followed allegations of a lack of collaboration with the civil society and a lack of transparency in monitoring certain cases of human rights violations.

However, after presenting solid evidence, the CNIDH convinced the accreditation subcommittee of its commitment to human rights. According to its chairperson, Dr. Sixte Vigny Nimuraba, this decision reaffirms the institution’s credibility at the international level.

A symbol of credibility for Burundi

During a press conference on Wednesday, Dr. Nimuraba welcomed this reaccreditation, calling it « tangible evidence of the efforts made to ensure respect for fundamental rights. »

« The CNIDH expresses its gratitude to the organizations that demonstrated objectivity in this reassessment. Maintaining this A status not only strengthens our institution, but also Burundi’s image on the international stage. »

According to him, this recognition confirms the commission’s independence and reinforces its legitimacy in the face of the challenges it faces.

A call for strengthened collaboration for human rights

The chairperson of the CNIDH also called on all stakeholders to work together to protect human rights. He emphasized that democracy, peace, and sustainable development require a collective commitment to fundamental freedoms.

He also underscored the importance of respecting the commission’s independence, an essential condition for ensuring its credibility both nationally and internationally.

An institution under pressure

While this reaccreditation is a success for the CNIDH, it does not put an end to criticism. During the presentation of its annual report to the National Assembly, some government officials criticized the institution for adopting « western standards » which, they believed, could tarnish the country’s image.

This tension illustrates the challenges the CNIDH faces in carrying out its mandate. For now, the commission intends to continue its work with determination, affirming that this international recognition strengthens its mission as guarantor of human rights in Burundi.

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Sixte Vigny Nimuraba, chairperson of the CNIDH, the Burundian human rights commission, which maintains its A status (SOS Médias Burundi)