ACHPR/Res.49(XXVIII)00: RESOLUTION ON COMPLIANCE AND IMMEDIATE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ARUSHA PEACE AGREEMENT FOR BURUNDI
The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights meeting at its Twenty-Eighth Ordinary Session in Cotonou, Benin, from 23 October to 6 November 2000,
Considering the massacres of innocent people committed in Burundi since 21 October 1993;
Considering the effects of the protracted civil war on the economy and well-being of the people of Burundi;
Considering with concern that the on-going armed conflict between the rebels and the Government army has caused serious violations of human rights and freedoms of the people of Burundi;
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Expresses its support for the Arusha Peace Agreement for Burundi and urges the conflicting parties to conclude a cease-fire and immediately and unconditionally implement the Arusha Accord signed in Arusha on 28 August 2000;
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Congratulates former President Nelson Mandela for the progress achieved through his mediation and exhorts him to continue with his efforts towards achieving lasting peace in Burundi;
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Calls upon the rebel groups who have not yet signed the peace agreement concluded under the auspices of former President Nelson Mandela to do so urgently;
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Makes an urgent appeal to the Great Lakes countries to give their full support to the peace process and put pressure on all the belligerents to renounce violence;
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Calls upon the OAU and UN to take all appropriate measures to put a stop to the hostilities in Burundi and bring the belligerents to give greater importance to negotiation for the resolution of their dispute;
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Urges the International Community to support the peace process and settlement of the conflict that has rocked Burundi.