VIII. International Support for Prisons and Justice

Given the importance of international assistance in funding change in Burundi, it is clear that international support for improvements in the justice and prison systems will be a necessary-though not sufficient-condition for reform. Donors have promised assistance in improving conditions in Burundian prisons, with some US$1.47 million earmarked in December 2006 for electrical systems, water and sanitation systems, and structural improvements.[131] Donors will also pay to equip prisons with plates, drinking glasses, mattresses, uniforms and bed covers for 8000 prisoners and to provide increased food rations for children, women and sick prisoners for twelve months.[132]

Improvements to the physical condition of prisons are necessary but will not in themselves resolve the problem of providing safe and separate quarters for children where they are allowed supervised interactions with adults for education or religious purposes.The provision of new equipment and increased food rations should improve the conditions of life for children in prison but only if appropriate measures are taken to ensure that other prisoners do not deprive them of the intended benefits. It should also be noted that food supplements are provided only for one year and that rations will return to prior levels unless a new source of support is found.

The United Nations' role

In an addendum to the seventh report on the United Nations Operations in Burundi (ONUB),[133] the Secretary General outlined plans and goals for the new Integrated Office of the United Nations in Burundi (BINUB) that was scheduled to begin work on January 1, 2007. The Secretary General recommended that a human rights and justice section of up to 20 international personnel monitor, investigate and report on the human rights situation in Burundi, facilitate the development of a national human rights action plan and address legal and justice sector reform, including corrections and juvenile justice."[134]

It will be crucial for the UN to support the government of Burundi in the important areas of justice and prison reform. Providing experts to assist the government in developing a comprehensive juvenile justice system would be one immediate and practical way to offer such support.