The National Human Rights Council (CNDH) received a high-level delegation from Burundi’s National Independent Human Rights Commission for a study visit from October 8 to 14, 2025. The delegation is led by Mr. Martin Blaise Nyaboho, Chair of the Commission, and includes Mr. Gerard Rugemintwaza, Vice-Chair; Ms. Gloriose Nimenya, Commission Member; Ms. Béatrice Nkurunziza, Secretary-General of the Executive Bureau; and Mr. Jean Bosco Manirambona, Chair of the Subcommittee on Human Rights Protection.

Opening the study week, Ms. Amina Bouayach, CNDH Chairperson, underscored that Morocco’s human rights journey and the role played by its National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) represent an African model rich in best practices, which Morocco and the Council are committed to sharing with human rights defenders and peer institutions across the continent.

Ms. Bouayach considered this visit an important step in strengthening cooperation among the two African NHRIs, aimed at fostering the exchange of expertise and the development of joint initiatives to advance human rights across Africa. “Sharing our experience while gaining insight from the experiences of other institutions,” noted Ms. Bouayach, “is key to supporting African NHRIs and strengthening their capacities in monitoring and engaging with international mechanisms.”

Highlighting the role of NHRIs in advancing human rights, Ms. Bouayach lauded their significant contribution to the abolition of the death penalty in Africa, noting that 33 African countries have committed to a moratorium on executions. She described this as part of a broader human rights movement led by countries of the Global South. This study visit coincides with preparations for the Council’s annual event advocating for the abolition of the death penalty (October 10).

For his part, Mr. Martin Blaise Nyaboho, Chair of the Burundian Commission, commended Morocco’s experience and the work carried out by the CNDH. He also highlighted avenues for enhanced cooperation between the two institutions “by learning from the Council’s expertise in protection and monitoring, complaint handling, and capacity-building for human rights professionals.”

During the visit, the Burundian delegation gained insight into the CNDH’s mandate and working mechanisms, including its protection and monitoring missions, complaint management system, human rights education initiatives, and engagement with international mechanisms, notably the accreditation of NHRIs under the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI). The program also featured meetings with civil society organizations active in the human rights field, as well as a field visit to the CNDH’s Regional Human Rights Commission in the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region.

It is noteworthy that during 2024 and 2025, this dynamic involved, alongside the Burundian Commission, NHRIs from Comoros, the Central African Republic, the Sultanate of Oman, Togo, Senegal, Djibouti, Burkina Faso, and Côte d’Ivoire.