The Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement:

“Canada urges Burundi to resume cooperation with the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Bujumbura and to cooperate fully with the Commission of Inquiry into the human rights situation in Burundi. The support offered by the OHCHR and the broader international community provides a path to reconciliation and implementation of the Arusha Agreement.

“Canada supports all independent judicial processes to ensure an end to impunity for serious human rights violations and strongly encourages Burundi to remain a member of the International Criminal Court and to renew its cooperation with the court.

“Canada is a strong supporter of United Nations human rights mechanisms and announced a contribution earlier this year of $15 million over the next three years to the OHCHR. In addition, Canada has pledged a significant contribution to strengthen the on-the-ground presence of OHCHR personnel in Burundi.”