In progress at UNHQ

HR/4265

EUROPEAN UNION SIGNS FINANCING AGREEMENT FOR DEPLOYMENT OF HUMAN RIGHTS OBSERVERS IN BURUNDI

9 January 1996


Press Release
HR/4265


EUROPEAN UNION SIGNS FINANCING AGREEMENT FOR DEPLOYMENT OF HUMAN RIGHTS OBSERVERS IN BURUNDI

19960109 GENEVA, 9 January (UN Information Service) -- The High Commissioner for Human Rights, who opened an office in Bujumbura as early as June 1994, intends to deploy human rights observers in Burundi shortly. Today, an initial financing agreement was signed with the European Union for that purpose.

The observer operation has not been funded through the regular budget of the Organization. Therefore, for the past several months, the High Commissioner has been actively seeking to obtain voluntary contributions in order to fund the operation, whose total cost in 1996 for the full 35 observers is expected to reach approximately $6.6 million. The High Commissioner has been in close contact with the European Union for that purpose. Today, the result of those contacts has materialized in the form of the signing of an initial financing agreement in the amount of 405,860 ECU (approximately $518,000), enabling the High Commissioner to deploy the first contingent of observers in Burundi for a period of three and a half months.

The Bujumbura ofice is presently mainly active in the field of technical assistance. The long-term objective of this human rights programme is to create in Burundi general conditions favouring the promotion and protection of human rights, in an environment of peace, tolerance, solidarity and mutual respect among the people of Burundi.

The principal objectives of the human rights field operation in Burundi are to participate in efforts aimed at preventing and limiting human rights violations and inter-ethnic violence. The observers are mandated to bring cases of alleged violations to the attention of the authorities, recommend remedial action, and follow up on subsequent developments. In cooperation with all relevant actors, including international agencies and programmes and local non-governmental organizations, the monitors will endeavour to foster a climate of peace, confidence and tolerance among all components of the Burundese population. Such a climate, which will be instrumental in the rehabilitation and strengthening of the civil society and democratic institutions, is a prerequisite for the return of refugees and internally displaced persons to their homes. The observers will also have a crucial information and fact-finding role.

- 2 - Press Release HR/4265 9 January 1996

A first contingent of five observers will be deployed to Bujumbura as soon as the pledged contributions have been received. Depending on security conditions, the political situation and the availability of funding, further groups of observers will reinforce the operation in 1996, first in Bujumbura and gradually throughout the country. At this stage, it is envisaged that up to 35 observers would be sent. The agreement of the Government will be sought at each stage.

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For information media. Not an official record.