Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made, if any, of the current level of human rights protection in Burundi.

The UK Government welcomes steps taken by the Government of Burundi over the past 18 months, which demonstrate greater commitment to human rights including prisoner releases and engagement with some media outlets. However we remain concerned by reports of human rights violations and abuses being committed against the political opposition and critical voices. We are also concerned about the treatment of human rights defenders in Burundi. Our non-resident Ambassador to Burundi discussed human rights with the Government of Burundi and non-governmental actors when he visited the country in January. We will continue to monitor developments and advocate for improved human rights in Burundi through the British Embassy Liaison Office in Bujumbura and through our network of partners.