5 August 2013 – The Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Burundi, Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, today praised the holding of a national debate on justice in Burundi as he reiterated the United Nations support to Burundian justice sector.

« I would like to ensure that the United Nations and the international community stand ready to work with Burundi towards democracy and consolidation of Rule of Law, which requires the modernisation of judiciary institutions », Onanga-Anyanga said at the opening ceremony of the « Etats généraux de la Justice », a 5-day debate in Gitega (center of Burundi).

The “Etats généraux” was opened by Burundi’s President Pierre Nkurunziza and sought to assess all reforms conducted since Arusha’s agreement; identify constraints and challenges in the justice sector; reach a national consensus over key reforms to be implemented in the judiciary system as well as the way to conduct such reforms.

The Special Representative considered that general debate organized by the Government is the « result of a political will to respond to citizens concerns » for deep reforms in order to improve justice’s performance. « The people of Burundi will have a eye on you in the hope that the outcomes of your meeting will help set up a justice system in view of social peace, stability and development ».

« It is also the wish to implement institutional reforms recommended by Arusha Peace Agreement, signed on 28 August 2000. Arusha Agreement signatories advised promotion of an impartial and independent justice, a general reform of the judiciary system, particularly to improve ethnic and gender differences”, Onanga-Anyanga added.

The 5-day meeting is sponsored by BNUB, UNDP and Belgium.