IBJ is pleased to announce its renewed partnership with APRODH (Association for the Protection of Human Rights and Detained Persons). This is an encouraging sign as it signals the start of the movement to prevent torture and effectively implement progressive and fair criminal legislation in Burundi. This agreement recognizes APRODH as a primary vehicle through which Burundi’s human rights ideals can be concretely realized. It also acknowledges IBJ’s commitment to assist in efforts by civil society and professional bodies to implement existing criminal laws through providing legal training, structural support and material assistance.

From left: Program Director Sanjeewa Liyanage, APRODH Founder and Chairman Pierre Claver Mbonimpafar, IBJ Founder and CEO Karen Tse, Legal Representative Jean-Baptiste Sahokwasama and former IBJ Africa Fellow Marlon Zakeyo following the conclusion of the MOU in Burundi.

The MOU recently signed by both organizations strategizes areas of mutual cooperation in the light of the priorities faced by the criminal justice system in Burundi. Building on its expertise, APRODH will contribute to evaluating the needs of the criminal justice system by sharing significant reports and data, whether collected in courts, prisons or police stations. APRODH also commits to scour prisons in different provinces and refer any cases left without legal representation to IBJ-trained lawyers. Relying on their extended network in the justice sector, APRODH will also support IBJ’s Advisement of Rights campaign and roundtable discussions events to enhance solidarity among the different groups invested in the criminal justice system. Finally, APRODH will participate in IBJ’s accreditation initiative while disseminating to the broader legal community minimum standards of performance.

Capitalizing on the momentum gained after the national criminal defense training in Bujumbura in May 2008, this agreement is a testament to renewed confidence. This confidence is full of promises for the 6,197 pre-trial detainees languishing in Burundi’s prisons at the present time.