In a statement delivered at the 63rd UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, published on 21 September 2026, the UK thanked the Special Rapporteur for his report on Burundi. The UK said his findings ahead of Burundi's 2027 presidential election were concerning, citing reports of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention, restrictions on fundamental freedoms and the shrinking of civic and political space.

The UK called on Burundi to protect the rights of all citizens to participate freely and peacefully in public life, and encouraged it to continue supporting the safe return of Burundian refugees and asylum seekers in line with international law. It thanked Burundi for welcoming refugees from the DRC and for working with the UN to support their presence and ensure any returns to the DRC are voluntary, safe and dignified.

The UK said it remained concerned by the Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC and the risk of spillover to other countries, commending Burundi's prompt work to strengthen surveillance and preparedness and stressing the importance of protecting human rights during public health responses. The UK asked the Special Rapporteur what practical steps the international community could take to support conditions for a credible and inclusive 2027 presidential election.