Dear President

The Kingdom of the Netherlands aligns itself with the EU statement and thanks the Special Rapporteur for his report.
We welcome the presidential pardon that led to the release of journalist Floriane Irangabiye and urge Burundi to guarantee full judicial independence. We remain concerned about ongoing human rights challenges, particularly as the 2025 Parliamentary elections approach.
Arbitrary detention, ill-treatment, and enforced disappearances of human rights defenders, journalists, and civil society actors persist. The Kingdom of the Netherlands condemns impunity for these violations and call on Burundi to hold all perpetrators, including the ruling party’s youth league accountable, to ensure that victims can seek justice and legal redress.  
We call on the government to end intimidation of civil society and ensure the independence of the CNIDH. Opposition groups should be allowed meaningful participation in the political process, especially ahead of the 2025 elections.
Mr. Special Rapporteur,
We deeply regret that Council Member Burundi continues to reject your mandate. We urge the Burundian authorities to engage in constructive cooperation with your office and with other UN human rights mechanisms.
How can the international community support Burundi in ensuring transparent, credible elections in 2025?
Thank you.