UN to create TRC for Burundi
2005-06-16 10:12
New York - The United Nations will shortly launch a truth and reconciliation commission for Burundi, shaken by inter-ethnic violence repeatedly since its independence in 1962.
In a public debate at the UN Security Council on Wednesday, Burundian justice minister Didace Kiganahe said his country's transition government approved UN Secretary General Kofi Annan's recommendations.
The project would also include a "special chamber" within Burundi's court system, assistant UN secretary-general for legal affairs Ralph Zacklin told the council.
"The mandate of the commission would be to establish the historical facts and determine the causes and nature of the conflict in Burundi, classify the crimes committed since independence in 1962, and identify those responsible," said Zacklin.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission would be set up under existing Burundian law, amended if necessary, and would have five members: three foreigners and two Burundians.
The small central African nation is struggling to emerge from a 12-year civil war in which some 300 000 people have died.
- AFP