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Recommendations

To the Government of Burundi

• Promptly investigate and prosecute all cases of serious violations of international human rights and humanitarian law by government officials, including police and agents of the intelligence service and military personnel, regardless of their rank.
• Take all necessary measures—such as through public statements, training programs and disciplinary action—to ensure that government officials and military personnel act in accordance with international human rights and humanitarian law. 
• Allow ONUB human rights officers and representatives of human rights organizations access to all prisons and detention facilities under the jurisdiction of the State Intelligence Agency, the Minister of the Interior and Public Security, and the Minister of Defense.

To the National Liberation Forces (FNL)

• Take all appropriate measures to ensure that combatants under your command abide by international humanitarian law, and hold accountable combatants found responsible for committing abuses.

To the United Nations Operation in Burundi (ONUB)

• Give high priority to renegotiating and signing a written agreement with the Burundian government ensuring your complete access to all prisons and detention facilities throughout the country.
• Place more monitors in the war-afflicted provinces of Bujumbura-rurale, Bubanza, Kayanza, and Cibitoke to continue to effectively monitor human rights violations related to the ongoing conflict.

To Donor Governments

• Urge the Burundian government to ensure its compliance with international human rights and humanitarian law, particularly in regards to treatment of persons in detention and the prohibitions of torture.
• Urge the Burundian government to provide unhindered access to prisons and other detention facilities for ONUB human rights officers and other human rights groups.
• Provide adequate financial support for ONUB so that its human rights unit can continue to operate fully and efficiently.