The Collective of Associations for the Defense of Children’s Rights in Burundi (FENADEB) has applauded the recent rulings by the High Court of Rutana, which sentenced four individuals—two women and two men—for crimes involving child murder and human trafficking.
Ferdinand Simbaruhije, the spokesperson for FENADEB, praised the court’s decisions, describing them as a commendable step in tackling what he called the growing prevalence of such heinous acts in Burundi. He urged other courts across the country to follow suit and deliver justice effectively to combat the worsening trend of human rights violations.
“We call on other courts to emulate this example and take decisive action against those who trample on human rights, including those who go as far as killing their own children,” Simbaruhije said.
The Rutana court’s swift rulings came after a high-profile trial earlier this week. Two women were convicted of murdering their newborns and were each sentenced to 20 years of penal servitude.
In a separate case, the court handed down sentences for two men from Makamba Province in southern Burundi, who were found guilty of trafficking minors to neighboring Tanzania. One received a five-year prison term, while the other was sentenced to three years for complicity.
FENADEB also pledged to take an active role in addressing human trafficking, particularly involving children. “As a national federation committed to child welfare, we are determined to ensure the reintegration of all trafficked children into their families,” said Simbaruhije.
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