Norway on behalf of Nordic-Baltic states delivers statement on Burundi at UN Human Rights Council, Geneva; urges Burundi to grant access and reopen OHCHR
Permanent Missions to the UN and WTO/EFTA in Geneva
Item 4 - Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Burundi. NB8 Norway. (18.09.2026)
Human Rights Council 63rd Session
Item 4 - Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Burundi Statement delivered by Ambassador Mr. Tormod C. ENDRESEN, Permanent Representative of Norway on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden
I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic States.
We thank the Special Rapporteur for his latest update and for his valuable efforts to monitor the human rights situation in Burundi.
We remain deeply concerned that the Special Rapporteur continues to be denied access to the country. We call on the Government of Burundi to grant him unhindered access to the country and to provide him with the information necessary to fulfil his mandate.
We further call on the Government of Burundi to engage constructively with the UN human rights mechanisms, including by reopening the OHCHR country office in Burundi.
We are deeply alarmed by continued reports of violations such as enforced disappearances, extrajudicial executions and widespread sexual and gender-based violence in Burundi.
As Burundi approaches the 2027 presidential elections, we also reiterate our concern over restrictions on civic and political space. We urge the Burundian authorities to uphold their international human rights obligations, and to prioritise safe and open civic space for this electoral cycle.
Which concrete measures should the international community take to support civil society and independent media ahead of the 2027 elections?
Permanent Missions to the UN and WTO
HRC: 63rd Session, 7 September to 7 October 2026
Foreign Minister Eide: Important to show solidarity with Lebanon. Norway (26.08.2026)
Norway allocates NOK 10 million to earthquake response in Colombia. (14.08.2026)
Conference on Disarmament in Geneva. (11.08.2026)
UNHCR Standing Committee: 96th Session. Item 3: Engagement of UNHCR with internally displaced persons. Norway. (17.06.2026)
UNHCR Standing Committee: 96th Session. Item 2: a. Note on international protection. Norway (16.06.2026)
WHO Health Emergency Appeal 2026. Norway (03.02.2026)
114th International Labour Conference 2026. Norway (04.06.2026)
Joint Ministerial Statement on the West Bank. Norway. (09.06.2026)
Norway provides NOK 15 million to the Ebola response in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Norway. (05.06.2026)
Erna Solberg takes on international leadership role in global health. Norway. (03.06.2026)
World Health Assembly 79th Session. General Debate. Norway (19.05.2026)
Norway contributes NOK 50 million to the WHO Health Contingencies Fund following Ebola outbreak. Norway. (22.05.2026)
NOK 203 million in new funding for the Red Cross’s efforts for Ukraine. Norway (22.05.2026)
Norway Strengthens Efforts Against Landmines and Explosives Globally (06.08.2026)