“The CNIDH provided some information in relation to its activities and efforts to address human rights violations, including in monitoring places of deprivation of liberty and in investigating the cases of political detainees. Further, the institution declared that it had encountered resistance from national authorities during its continued advocacy for the ratification of the OPCAT.

 While the SCA notes that the CNIDH is currently operating within a challenging operational context, the SCA recommends that the CNIDH strengthens its efforts to address all human rights violations and to conduct follow-up activities to ensure that the State upholds its protection obligations, as this will strengthen the credibility and accessibility of the institution for all people in Burundi. An NHRI’s mandate should be interpreted in a broad and purposive manner to promote a progressive definition of human rights, which includes all rights set out in international, regional, and domestic instruments. NHRIs are expected to promote and ensure respect for all human rights, democratic principles and the strengthening of the rule of law in all circumstances, and without exception.

 The SCA further recommends that the CNIDH ensure that its positions on these issues are made publicly available. The SCA refers to Paris Principles A.1, A.2, and A.3 and to its General Observation 1.2 ‘Human rights mandate’.”