C. Principal areas of concern and recommendations

Discrimination based on sexual orientation

8.The Committee is concerned by reports that homosexuals are faced with threats to their physical integrity, intimidation and discrimination in various spheres of life. In particular, the Committee is concerned by the fact that homosexuality is defined as an offence in the Criminal Code; the fact that, pursuant to article 9 of Ministerial Order No. 620/613 of 7 June 2011 of the Minister of Basic Education, students considered to be homosexuals may be barred from their schools; and the obstacles faced by homosexuals seeking to found associations (arts. 2, 17, 22 and 26).

The State should decriminalize homosexuality; amend the ministerial order of the Minister of Basic Education in order to forestall its discriminatory application to young homosexuals; remove any de jure or de facto obstacle to or any restriction on the establishment of associations by homosexuals; and take all necessary steps to provide effective protection for homosexuals from threats to their physical integrity and from discrimination of any kind.

Link to full text of the report: Concluding Observations-CCPR-Burundi-2014-eng

 

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