§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action is being taken by the international community to establish an effective and objective judicial system in Burundi. [16603]
§ Mr. BaldryA UN Security Council mission to Burundi last month reiterated the importance of strengthening the national judicial system. A number of692W donors have expressed interest, including the European Union. Belgium plans an appraisal mission in April which others may join but the situation in Burundi is extremely fragile and plans to support the judicial system are very difficult to advance. We have contributed £100,000 this month to a UN High Commission for Human Rights programme of training and technical assistance for Burundis in justice and human rights.
§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action is being taken by the World bank, IMF and donor countries to assist Burundi to stabilise and achieve economic development. [16605]
§ Mr. BaldryThe fragile political and security environment in Burundi is making progress with economic development very difficult. The World bank agreed an emergency assistance project last December, worth nearly £10 million, for the import of high-priority goods for education, health, agriculture, infrastructure and private sector development. IMF staff hope to restart discussions with Burundi officials in Geneva this week leading to the formulation of a three-year economic policy framework for IMF assistance. An EU troika mission left for Burundi on 23 March and will present recommendations for strengthening EU support.