GITEGA December 13th (ABP) – The plenary assembly of the Burundian senate meeting under the leadership of its president, on Thursday, December 8, 2022, unanimously passed the bill on the ratification by the Republic of Burundi of the African Youth Charter, adopted on July 2, 2006 in Banjul.
The ratification of that charter will allow Burundian youth to have opportunities to visit other young people and to exchange experiences in all areas in order to pool their talents and strengths for peace, security, and sustainable and inclusive development. This was explained by the Minister of National Education and Scientific Research, Mr. François Havyarimana, in his explanatory memorandum leading to the drafting of the said bill.
Minister Havyarimana also indicated that the purpose of that charter is to protect young people against discrimination and guarantee them freedom of movement, speech, association, religion, property and other human rights.
Before passing the bill, the senators asked questions for clarification, including those relating to the insecurity faced by young people going to study or using their strength to earn a living. By way of example, the case of young Burundians who risked their lives in South Africa for the aforementioned reasons, was cited.
For Minister Havyarimana, the ratification of the African Youth Charter comes as a solution to that concern. In the application of this charter, the signatory States will not fail to sensitize their respective peoples on the protection of the rights of young foreigners, Minister Havyarimana added.