reorganising and promoting sports activities in Burundi and the Decree-Law establishing the
organisation and operation of the Academy "Kirundi". This last legal document is a revival of the
rundi Academy which existed years ago and aimed to ensure the safeguarding and dissemination of
this language, which is increasingly being lost among the youth, following the influence of several
factors, notably the phenomenon of globalisation. This activity is part of the implementation of the
Language Policy that was adopted.
157. With regard to cultural activities, several actions were carried out, among others:
i. the creation of the Burundian Reading and Cultural Animation Centres (CEBULAC), 13 of
which are functional and will replace the Reading and Cultural and Social Activities Centres
(CLACS);
ii. the organisation in schools of the national theatre competition in Kirundi and French since 2013,
where the five best plays are awarded per language;39
iii. the organisation of a song contest on the occasion of the Fête de la musique by the Amicale des
Musiciens, which encourages the participation of children,
iv. support of the various private centres for youth and children socio-cultural guidance such as the
centres: Don Bosco Centre of Buterere (Bujumbura City), Kamenge Youth Centre, Wallys Centre
of Musaga, Drum clubs40, intore dancers clubs located in all municipalities, the women's dance
clubs. In these centres, youth are learning arts, music, sports, gymnastics and other topics such as
sexual and reproductive health.
158. In the field of sport, various sports federations (at least 24) are organised; children in school
and out of school are supervised especially for mass sports.
159. There is a national policy promoting youth access to sports activities.41 However, only urban
centres have some infrastructure. In rural areas, sports activities are practically unorganised. Other
aspects of recreation such as drama and arts are not common practices among out-of-school youth,
even though these are activities that promote cultural development.
IX. SPECIAL PROTECTION MEASURES
a) Children in emergency situation
i)
Refugee, returnee or displaced children
160. Burundi adopted a law on asylum and the protection of refugees on 8 November 2008. This
right is recognised in article 50 of the Constitution and was concretised by the promulgation of law
no. 13 November 2008 on asylum and refugee protection in Burundi. This law has been
implemented through three ministerial ordinances concerning asylum, namely:
39
This activity records the enthusiasm of students to the point that we have a production of 100 pieces per year.
40
These clubs, like those of women's dances, have a large participation of children who, most of the time,
accompanied by their parents. .
41
The National Youth Policy speaks of young people between the ages of 15 and 35, including children, p. 19
37