21 September 2013 – To ensure that upcoming elections in Burundi are transparent and credible the preparations for the electoral process should be inclusive and conducted under a peaceful climate without any use of violence, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Burundi Parfait Onanga-Anyanga stressed.

«The appeal [for the ban of violence] is still valid », the Head of BNUB said, reminding that according to the commitment made by Burundian political actors at BNUB’s workshop of March 2013, political violence should be banned. « At Kayanza’s workshop, in May, the Government echoed this commitment and appealed political actors and parties to forbid their supporters from taking any attitude that could affect security, dignity and private life. »

« Relationship among Burundian citizens should be based in understanding, respect, acceptance of differences and dialogue to reach agreements in order to avoid any risk of extremism or violence. This is particularly true as 2015 elections are close. It is paramount that the preparations are inclusive and conducted under a peaceful climate to ensure that [the elections] will be transparent and credible », SRSG Onanga-Anyanga stated in a ceremony held in Isale, province of Bujumbura, to mark the International Peace Day.

The Special Representative also called for concrete measures to reinforce the culture of peace, human rights and democracy in Burundi as part of a deep debate on the « Education for peace », theme of 2013 International Peace Day.

The International Peace Day ceremony was chaired by Burundi’s Minister of Solidarity, Human Rights and Gender and included a visit to the village youth centre which was constructed with PBF funds.