Developments in Burundi

The information below is based on the 2009 report of the Secretary General to the Security Council (A/63/785-S/2009/158) issued on 26 March 2009. More information is available in the report.

The Parti pour la libération du peuple Hutu-Forces nationales de libération (Palipehutu-FNL) led by Agathon Rwasa continues to recruit and use children. An increase in the incidence of recruitment coincided with the 26 May 2008 Government/FNL joint declaration on the cessation of hostilities and the gathering of FNL in pre-assembly and assembly areas where the recruitment of hundreds of students along with or by their teachers was reported. The children were promised demobilization benefits by FNL, which was probably seeking to inflate its numbers.

The Group of Special Envoys for Burundi met in Bujumbura on 16 and 17 January 2009. Following the meeting, they issued the Bujumbura Declaration, which set out deadlines on critical aspects of the peace process, including the unconditional separation of all children associated with FNL by 30 January 2009.

Children were also found associated with the alleged FNL dissidents at the Randa and Buramata assembly areas. The alleged dissidents agreed to the release of all children in exchange for their inclusion in the formal demobilization, reintegration and rehabilitation process. In April, the separation and demobilization of 220 children was completed, and all the children were reunited with their families by July 2008.

In October 2008, allegations were received of child recruitment by forces of General Laurent Nkunda's Congrès national pour la défense du peuple (CNDP). According to the Burundi National Police, investigations on possible recruitments were being carried out in Cibitoke and Bujumbura Marie provinces. The country task force is closely monitoring the situation.

Sexual violence against children continues to be a serious concern, with a vast majority of the reported victims being girls. The perpetrators included members of the Burundi National Police, the Burundi National Defence Forces, FNL and alleged FNL dissidents, although a majority of the cases were perpetrated by civilians in an environment of insecurity and impunity. The recent adoption of the revised Penal Code by the National Assembly and by the Senate with amendments that strengthen the sentencing of perpetrators of sexual violence against children is welcomed.

Parties responsible for recruitment and use of children

Palipehutu-Forces nationales pour la libération (FNL) - Agathon Rwasa*: this party has also been responsible for committing rape and other grave sexual violence against children in the reporting period. Status: No formal action plan. The release of children associated with Palipehutu-FNL is being negotiated within the Joint Verification and Monitoring Mechanism of the Comprehensive Ceasefire Agreement signed on 7 September 2006 between the Government of Burundi and Palipehutu-FNL. Pursuant to the Bujumbura Declaration of 17 January 2009, FNL committed to immediately and unconditionally separate children associated with its combatants no later than 30 January. However, FNL has refused to begin the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of its combatants, including the separation of children associated with its forces on 5 February, until there is an agreement on the integration of its combatants into the national security forces.

Parties marked with an asterisk (*) have been on the annex lists for a minimum of four years.

Press Releases by the Special Representative: