Human Rights Watch calls on Burundian Government to respect free speech in the country

Through a press release on 26 May 2021, Human Rights Watch, an international human rights organisation, called for the end of abusive prosecutions and restrictions of the freedom of speech in the country. According to HRW, Burundi’s scrutiny and control of the media has a negative effect on the work of non-governmental organizations in the country. HRW stated that the government should go beyond ‘good faith’ and address the entrenched systems of repressions to the freedom of expression. Substantive reforms should be made in order to protect journalists and non-governmental organizations in the country. Ultimately, HRW recommended the government to amend the laws governing Burundian media, and to align with regional and international obligations that protect press freedom.