Ahead of the review of Burundi by the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD), scheduled for 27 November to 5 December 2025, a coalition of seven Burundian civil society organizations, coordinated by ACAT-Burundi and supported by the International Federation of ACATs (FIACAT) and the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), has prepared an alternative report to complement and update the official report submitted by the Burundian government—its first in over twenty-six years.
The report highlights the persistent discrimination faced by several vulnerable groups, including the Batwa indigenous people, returnees (particularly those repatriated from Tanzania), and other minorities perceived as politically marginalized. Despite legal progress, including the 2018 Constitution which prohibits all forms of discrimination, inequalities remain widespread—especially regarding access to land, education, healthcare, justice, and participation in public policies. These issues are further aggravated by weak protection mechanisms and persistent impunity.
Based on firsthand testimonies, community consultations, and documentary analysis, this participatory report sheds light on the daily realities of affected communities. It presents concrete recommendations to strengthen the implementation of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and to promote a more just, inclusive, and rights-respecting society in Burundi.
Through this joint effort, Burundian civil society aims to contribute to the international dialogue and to encourage national authorities to take effective measures to combat all forms of racial and ethnic discrimination.
Find the full report below:
Alternative Report to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
