November 4, 2015
In commemoration of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, the U.S. Embassy in Bujumbura would like to congratulate the journalists in Burundi for the important role they play informing the populace, and commend those who courageously do their work at the risk of retaliation and harassment. The reporting done by local journalists throughout the current crisis has been vital and it is our duty to speak out for the protection of and justice for journalists.
The United Nations declared November 2 as The International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists in 2013. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said, “Together, we must end the cycle of impunity and safeguard the right of journalists to speak truth to power.” The UN resolution calls upon the global community to promote a safe and enabling environment for journalists to perform their work independently and without undue interference bring to justice perpetrators of crimes against journalists and media workers.
The U.S. Embassy remains deeply disturbed by the current state of media freedom in Burundi and the safety of its journalists. A vibrant and impartial media is an essential pillar of democracy and the U.S. Embassy urges the immediate reopening of all independent media and assurance of protection of and justice for Burundian Media workers. We remain firmly committed to supporting independent and impartial coverage of events to ensure that Burundians have the best possible access to information about the events that affect them.
