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12.1. Refugees asylum seekers in Burundi (per country of origin) 7
Country of origin
Number
DRC
36,442
Rwanda
643
Other countries (Somalia, Sudan)
66
Others under mandate
157
Total
37,308
Pertaining to the prohibition against the expulision of a non-national legally admitted on the
territory of the Republic of Burundi, the Constitution of 18 March 2005 sets it out. Article 59 of the
said Constitution stipulates « Any non-national living in the Territory of the Republic shall enjoy the
protection granted to goods and persons pursuant to the present Constitution and to the law...).
Article 13: The Right of access to the public functions of the State
Every citizen shall have the right to participate freely in the government of his country, either directly or
I.
through freely chosen representatives in accordance with the provisions of the law.
2.
Every citizen shall have the right of equal access to the public service of his country.
3.
Every individual shall have the right of access to public property and services in strict equality of all
persons before the law.
The Republic of Burundi recognizes the right to participate in the management of public affairs.
Article 16 of the Constitution of 18 March 2005 stipulates: « The Burundian Government should be
organized in a manner that allows all Burundians to be represented in it and for it to represent all
Burundians; for each one to have an equal opportunity to be part of it; that all citizens have access to
the public services and that Government decisions and activities obtain the greatest possible
support».
Furthermore, Article 51 of the same Constitution adequately clarifies this right of participation in the
government of the country.
« Every Burundian has the right to participate, either directly or indirectly through representatives in
the direction and management of State affairs provided it is done under the conditions established by
7
Data obtained from ONPRA.