United Nations
General Assembly
A/HRC/RES/48/16
Distr.: General
13 October 2021
Original: English
Human Rights Council
Forty-eighth session
13 September–11 October 2021
Agenda item 4
Human rights situations that require the Council’s attention
Resolution adopted by the Human Rights Council
on 8 October 2021
48/16.
Situation of human rights in Burundi
The Human Rights Council,
Guided by the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations,
Recalling the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on
Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political
Rights and other relevant international human rights instruments,
Recalling also all relevant resolutions of the Human Rights Council, the General
Assembly and the Security Council,
Recalling further the report of the Secretary-General on the strategic assessment
mission for United Nations engagement in Burundi,1 in particular his call upon the
Government to work together with the United Nations to sustain the progress made to date
and to advance national reconciliation, peacebuilding, social cohesion, socioeconomic
development, humanitarian priorities and respect for human rights and the rule of law,
Recalling the statement issued by the President of the Security Council on 4 December
2020,2 and taking into consideration the observations and recommendations contained
therein,
Noting that, at the request of the Burundian authorities, the Office of the Special
Envoy of the Secretary-General for Burundi closed on 31 May 2021, transferring its
responsibilities to the United Nations country team in Burundi,
Reaffirming full respect for the sovereignty, political independence, territorial
integrity and national unity of Burundi,
Reaffirming also that States have the obligation to respect, protect and fulfil all human
rights and fundamental freedoms,
Stressing the primary responsibility of the Government of Burundi for ensuring
security in its territory and protecting its population in compliance with international human
rights law and international humanitarian law, as applicable,
1
2
S/2020/1078, annex.
S/PRST/2020/12.
GE.21-14695(E)