Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Burundi
On Thursday June 06, 2024, for the first time since its accession to the United Nations (UN), Burundi, represented by Mr Maniratanga Zéphirin, Ambassador of Burundi in New York, was unanimously elected by the 193 Member States of the United Nations to the Presidency of the 3rd Commission for the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. The election of Burundi, endorsed by Africa, at the Leading of the important Body of the UN General Assembly, constitutes an international recognition of the efforts of His Excellency Mr Evariste Ndayishimiye, President of the Republic of Burundi.
In terms of the human rights and its role on the Human Rights Council (HRC), that election not only strengthens the national dynamic in favor of democracy, the rule of law and human rights, but it also represents a unanimous appreciation of the Member States of the United Nations of the role played by Burundi in those areas, both within the Human Rights Council and in the 3rd Commission.
Indeed, the 3rd Commission deals with the human rights in general and particularly the civil and political rights, the socio-economic and cultural rights, the right to development, the promotion and protection of women and children, racism and racial discrimination. She also analyzes the social issues relating to health, the elderly, people with disabilities, indigenous populations and migration. On his agenda are also the humanitarian issues related to the refugees and the displaced people. She also analyzes the issues related to crime, cybercrime, international drug control and the follow-up to the 15th United Nations Congress on organized crime.
“That election is a great honor for Burundi and helps to improve its image at the Concert of the Nations.” According to the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation Mrs Inès Sonia Niyubahwe, the election of Burundi to the presidency of the 3rd Commission of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly marks the recovery of the confidence of the international community because Burundi was elected almost unanimously. Another advantage is that Burundi will be consulted on certain subjects dealt within the Commission. According to Mrs Inès Sonia Niyubahwe, there are six major Commissions of the United Nations General Assembly which number 193. Being among the six countries out of 193 which chair those Commissions is a great honor for Burundi. That election will allow Burundi to play its rightful role in promoting the human rights, alongside other countries.