Crisis in Burundi: Human Rights Defenders Speak Out
As the Human Rights Council convened its urgently needed Special Session on Burundi, front-line human rights defenders from Burundi gave first-hand testimony of attacks, threats and killings against defenders, political opposition and other civilians. U.S. Ambassador Keith Harper and U.S. delegates attended the event was organized by a coalition of international human rights NGOs. " Amid the calamity, we see bravery and hope in Burundi," Ambassador Harper told the Council later. "Mr. Pierre Claver Mbonimpa, who joins us for this session today, is a shining example. He and other courageous human rights defenders, such as Margaret Barankitse who is also here today, are under attack in Burundi." Also participating in the session were FIDH's Nicolas Agostini and Carina Tertsakian from Human Rights Watch.
U.S. Mission Photo/Eric Bridiers