SECRETARY-GENERAL REGRETS POTENTIALLY CONSTRAINING MEDIA LAW IN BURUNDI

NEW YORK, June 6, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General regrets that a new media law in Burundi was promulgated with provisions that may have a negative impact on the freedom of the press. He emphasizes that the right to freedom of expression and pluralistic and free media are essential components of a healthy democracy.

The Secretary-General urges the Government of Burundi to ensure that its legal framework is aligned with the country's democratic tradition, as well as the international human rights standards to which the country holds itself.